Energy storage is on the agenda of many studies, and options vary from bicarbonate, swamps, to lithium batteries or other components. However, once loaded, the efficiency and durability of these systems remains a challenge. This is where new research from South Korea comes into play, who have developed a solution with self-charging.
The study.A research team led by Jeongmin Kim (DGIST) and Damin Lee (Kyungpook National University) has developed a high-performance self-charging solar energy storage system. This device has sought to improve both the performance of storage capacity and the durability of existing devices.
As? The research consisted of developing a device to store solar energy and use it efficiently. The interesting point of the study is that the system has combined two technologies in the same unit: supercapacitors (which act as fast batteries) and solar panels. This means it can capture solar energy, store it, and use it when needed, all at the same time. Additionally, its ability to self-charge and minimal degradation during repeated cycles ensure long life.
Kyungpook National University RLRC
More technical. The device consists of a self-charging system that integrates high-performance supercapacitors with silicon solar cells. The supercapacitors are designed with advanced electrode materials, nickel carbonate and hydroxide compounds, optimized with transition metal ions (Mn, Co, Cu, Fe, Zn). The developed design has improved energy density (35.5 Wh/kg) and power density (2555.6 W/kg), with high stability during charge and discharge cycles. Additionally, they have achieved a storage efficiency of 63% and an overall efficiency of 5.17% by combining solar cells with supercapacitors.
Efficiency at 60%. Like storage itself, efficiency has been a long-standing work in research equipment from solar panels to storage devices. The Korean study has achieved this level of efficiency as has the compressed air energy storage project in Jintan, China. This system has stored and reused the heat generated during air compression, eliminating the need for external fuels and reducing carbon emissions. Additionally, its five-minute boot-up system has improved system responsiveness.
According to Jeongmin Kim, principal researcher at DGIST, it will be the first device that combines supercapacitors with solar cells in Korea. By overcoming the limitations of existing technologies through the use of advanced composite materials, this study presents a sustainable energy solution that could transform the way we store and use solar energy. Furthermore, as Damin Lee stated, the team will begin working to improve efficiency and expand the commercialization potential of the device, we will closely follow the implementation.
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