Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute are leading a $2 million study to help widen a bottleneck that is slowing proliferation of large-scale wind and solar power generation. The four-year study aims to develop novel ceramic materials for use in a new approach to energy storage. Rather than batteries, the researchers will develop nanostructured capacitors to store energy generated by wind turbines and solar panels. With a high power density and ability to quickly charge and discharge, nanoengineered capacitors could have a significant impact on a wide range of applications, from energy production to electronics to national defense.
“The transformative nature of capacitive energy storage — a totally new approach to energy storage — will have tremendous impact on the increased use and efficiency of wind and solar power, as well as conventional coal, nuclear, and hydroelectric generation,” says Doug Chrisey, professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Rensselaer, who is leading the study. “Our proposed capacitors will be smaller, lighter, and more efficient than today’s batteries, and with no moving parts the capacitors should last forever. Everyone is looking for an innovative material to help meet future energy requirements. We’re confident that our novel ceramic will help advance that conversation.”
Unlike a battery, which can supply a continuous level of low power for long periods, a capacitor quickly moves large amounts of power. The ideal solution for electrical energy storage, says Chrisey, will allow fast energy storage and discharge in as small a volume or mass as possible. To achieve this, the researchers will develop a nanostructured capacitor comprising extremely thin layers of a novel composite. The composite, a mix of ferroelectric nanopowder and low-melting, alkali-free glass, results in a capacitor that can withstand high electric fields and maintain an extremely high dielectric constant — two critical metrics for measuring effectiveness of energy storage materials. In addition, Chrisey and team are tasked with developing new processes to make the material easily and in large quantities.
“Creating a novel ceramic material and developing a cost-effective, scalable method to achieve large-capacitive energy storage could be a big boost to our national economy and increase our global competitiveness,” says Chrisey. “What we need is an entirely new approach to energy storage, and we think ferroelectric glass composites could be the answer.”
The grant was awarded through the NSF Emerging Frontiers in Research and Innovation (EFRI) Program, overseen by the NSF Engineering Directorate, which identifies and supports initiatives in engineering research and education. For the study, Chrisey is partnering with renowned glass expert and Rensselaer Professor Minoru Tomozawa, along with nanoscientist and University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Professor Ram S. Katiyar. For more information on Chrisey and his research at Rensselaer,
October 12th, 2010 at 11:10 am
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