A quantum battery uses the principles of quantum mechanics to store energy. So far so good, because we understand batteries and energy storage. Wikipedia assures us that quantum batteries “have the potential to be much more efficient and powerful than traditional batteries”. We decided to investigate further, as quantum batteries emerge from academic circles and start appearing in popular news.
Quantum Batteries Emerge from Quantum Mechanics
First the theory, and then the practice say most academics. Although it is equally true that battery pioneers had no formal training. Moving on, quantum mechanics studies matter, and its relationship with energy at atomic and sub-atomic scale. This is radically different from the traditional approach of explaining reality in terms of human experience.
Many of the aspects we discover in this alternative paradigm, are contrary to things we already know at the larger scale. And therefore, they appear to deny what we already comfortably regard as truth. However, the science is still useful in our world of batteries, because it helps us understand battery chemistry. And in particular how atoms interact with each other and form molecules.
Polytechnique Insights envisages the following benefits, as quantum batteries emerge and take their rightful place in the world of stored energy:
- Faster charging times with potential to harvest energy from light.
- Suitable for use in solar cells and small electronic devices.
- Charging increasing exponentially with quantum battery size.
But despite this potential, there have been few takers willing to invest in a technology that few understand.
Italian Startup Planckian Puts Its Hat in the Ring
EE Times of Europe announced that Italian startup Planckian of Europe raised €2.7 million in pre-seed funds, to accelerate development of quantum batteries. Co-founder and chief scientist Marco Polini appeared confident when speaking to EE Times on December 20, 2023.
“Our battery architecture is blind to the specific implementation,” he admitted. “But we knew we wanted to create a scalable, fully fledged solid-state quantum battery. Our expertise lies in solid-state qubits, so we decided to work here.” We wish Planckian good fortune, as they explore the expanding frontiers of energy science.
More Information
Is a Quantum Battery Just Pure Science?
Quantum Batteries And Energy From Light
