Imagine converting solar energy into a liquid that can circulate in a closed system to create heat for homes and factories. And I’m not talking about heating up water with solar heaters and storing it for later use.
Swedish researchers have now created a breakthrough liquid that can store solar energy for months and even years.
The liquid is kind of like a rechargeable battery, with the main difference being that it stores solar energy rather than electricity.
NBC News has a report that highlights how this liquid could become a significant revolution for circular energy systems.
“A solar thermal fuel could be stored in uninsulated tanks inside houses or factories — or perhaps piped or trucked between solar farms and cities. Very little of the fuel or the catalyst is damaged by the reactions, so the system can operate in a closed loop, picking up solar energy and dropping off heat again and again.”
What’s incredible about this new research is that the fluid is stable and not toxic while storing the energy in a safe way. It’s not like any liquid fossil fuel that is highly flammable.
The first uses will likely be for heating systems, but it will be interesting to see how it might find a home in transportation.
Chris is one of GreenCitizen’s writers who has been a long-time advocate of individual responsibility when it comes to the environment. He shares GreenCitizen's passion for making the world a better place every day of the year.
The Science of Bottling Solar Energy
Chris Bolt | 2021-05-18 | Category : Green News | 2 minutes read | 17 views
Imagine converting solar energy into a liquid that can circulate in a closed system to create heat for homes and factories. And I’m not talking about heating up water with solar heaters and storing it for later use.
Swedish researchers have now created a breakthrough liquid that can store solar energy for months and even years.
The liquid is kind of like a rechargeable battery, with the main difference being that it stores solar energy rather than electricity.
NBC News has a report that highlights how this liquid could become a significant revolution for circular energy systems.
“A solar thermal fuel could be stored in uninsulated tanks inside houses or factories — or perhaps piped or trucked between solar farms and cities. Very little of the fuel or the catalyst is damaged by the reactions, so the system can operate in a closed loop, picking up solar energy and dropping off heat again and again.”
What’s incredible about this new research is that the fluid is stable and not toxic while storing the energy in a safe way. It’s not like any liquid fossil fuel that is highly flammable.
The first uses will likely be for heating systems, but it will be interesting to see how it might find a home in transportation.
More inspiring green news similar to this:
Chris Bolt
Chris is one of GreenCitizen’s writers who has been a long-time advocate of individual responsibility when it comes to the environment. He shares GreenCitizen's passion for making the world a better place every day of the year.
Latest News
Trending on GreenCitizen
December-14-2021
Patriot Power Generator Review (2022): Worth Your Money?March-31-2022
Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling: The Complete GuideSeptember-02-2020
How to Build Your Own DIY Solar Generator?April-10-2022
44 Of The World’s Most Ethical Companies (Updated 2022)January-07-2022
10 Best Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergents (2022)May-05-2022
How To Use A Citric Acid Cleaner On Household ItemsJanuary-03-2022
How to Recycle VHS Tapes and Cassette Tapes: A Complete GuideJuly-27-2021
How To Dispose Of A Washer And Dryer In An Eco-Friendly Way?December-28-2021
10 Best Solar Generators of 2022 with Advanced Buyer’s GuideMarch-15-2022
Jackery Explorer 1000 Watt Generator Review (2022)Our Services
Category: Green News, Green Technology, Renewable Energy, Solar Power