The U.S. Department of Energy created a stir a few years ago. Because their sponsorship in lead-free zinc anode battery technology had spun off into a commercial version they were describing as a ‘breakthrough’. We were excited by their thinking that this was the solution we had been waiting for. Could it be an answer to our search for cost effective, large-scale grid storage.
How a Lead-Free Zinc Anode Battery Works
Alessandro Volta invented the world’s first battery, which also had a zinc electrode. Subsequently, commercial zinc-carbon battery cells have become an essential part of modern living. The power of zinc lies in its high energy density. However, it unfortunately contains the seeds of its own destruction. These are the dendrites (zinc deposits) that gradually spread across to short-circuit the other terminal.
Baby Steps Towards a Lead-Free Zinc Anode Battery
In 2013, the U.S. Department of Energy hoped its dreams of a large-scale grid storage solution were materializing. Because with its assistance, a small New York company had solved the zinc dendrites problem. Moreover it was successfully producing prototypes of what were essentially giant energizer batteries. At the time we wondered, was this just another pipe dream because we have seen so many fade before?
Lead-Free Zinc Anode Battery Update
The company, Urban Electric Power is preparing to manufacture its zinc manganese dioxide batteries on a large scale. It claims they will have “high energy density, long life, and flexible performance ranging from 2-8 hours charge/discharge capabilities.” Their chemistry is similar to primary AA alkaline batteries, and because of this is apparently safe, inexpensive, and recyclable.
Urban Electric Power is currently up-scaling production with funding from the New York State Regional Development Council. It still pursues its vision of “limiting and eliminating peaking plants, decentralized diesel, and lead acid from the world’s solutions to growing requirements for electricity.” It is not quite there yet, but this is definitely more than a ‘pipe dream’.
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Preview Image: Lead-Free Zinc Anode Batteries
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