Energy Storage

SRC Energy Research Initiative Adds Three New Members

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Semiconductor Research Corporation (SRC) added three members to the global Energy Research Initiative (ERI) that focuses on new technologies for renewable energy and its efficient and reliable distribution on the power grid.

AIXTRON deposition tools installed at graphene research lab in Italy

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

AIXTRON SE sold 2 BM Pro 4"-wafer deposition tools to the Italian Institute of Technology for the development and production of graphene used in novel hydrogen storage systems.

SRC to advance PV and smart grid technologies

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 20:27:00 GMT

Hydro One Networks, NEC and ON Semiconductor join SRC’s global Energy Research Initiative, expanding the focus to include finding new materials, devices and methodologies for power controls/management and energy collection, conversion and storage.

Analysts: Li-ion output surging, prices plummeting

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:09:00 GMT

Global manufacturers of lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are preparing for "one of the largest factory buildouts in world history" to meet what is expected to be massive demand, particularly for plug-in electric vehicles and stationary energy storage.

mPhase prepping new battery tech for autos, marine apps

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 04:49:00 GMT

mPhase Technologies says it is in the home stretch with a "refined prototype" of a new automotive and marine battery technology, with a plan to reveal the mysterious product sometime in 1Q12.

ROI potential for OLED, emerging display technologies

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 11:00:00 GMT

Printed, flexible, and organic electronics enable next-gen displays and other applications; however, technical hurdles and dev cycles impede ROI. The key is partnerships sharing materials, equipment, and device development expertise, shows Jonathan Melnick, Lux Research.

Alternative energy sources need alternative energy storage

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 20:46:00 GMT

Alternative energy storage -- batteries, flywheels, fuel cells and more -- are rising to meet the challenge of utility-scale intermittent energy production. BCC Research finds that energy storage technologies might hit a 5.4% CAGR 2011-2016.

BYD builds large energy storage station in China with SGCC

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 17:47:00 GMT

BYD and the State Grid Corporation of China completed construction on a large battery energy storage station, comprising 100MW of wind, 40MW of solar, 36MWh of energy storage, and a smart power transmission system.

Microgrids shift from pilot to commercial installs

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 16:42:00 GMT

Factors from rising fuel costs and dropping PV prices, to remote application interest, are bringing microgrids into the mainstream for a diverse base of electricity users, shows Pike Research.

Indoor Li-ion energy storage system hooks into Shimizu microgrid for study

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 15:03:00 GMT

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries delivered a large-capacity, indoor, lithium-ion rechargeable battery energy storage system to the Shimizu Institute of Technology for tests with the institute's mixed-power-source microgrid.

Analysis: Smart meters are a growth area for ICs

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 21:04:00 GMT

Rapid adoption of smart meters to save energy and improve grid efficiency means an opportunity for a broad range of semiconductor suppliers.

Campus microgrids a $777M market by 2017

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 09:45:00 GMT

Microgrids, pockets of distributed energy resources that can be isolated from the utility power grid, have been called "the ultimate example of energy democracy," diversifying supply infrastructure ownership, says Pike Research.

Electric vehicle battery cost reductions won't pay off next year

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 17:51:00 GMT

Electric vehicle (EV) sales will be limited by their price tags in 2012, according to Pike Research. Recent price reductions for batteries won't show up in vehicle costs until 2013 or 2014.

Flow battery partnership aims for grid-level energy storage

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 15:41:00 GMT

ZBB Energy Corporation (NYSE Amex: ZBB) will develop flow batteries, aiming for low-cost, high-energy-density flow battery stacks and systems for grid-level storage, with an undisclosed new partner from the technology sector.

MEMS: The year past and the year ahead

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 19:15:00 GMT

Jean-Christophe Eloy, president & CEO, Yole Développement, shares an analyst's view of the micro electro mechanical system (MEMS) industry, calling 2011 a year of transition and changes.

Applied Materials' Onyx treatment restores lost carbon, strengthens film structure

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 15:24:00 GMT

Applied Materials released a new film treatment, Applied Producer Onyx, that reduces the power consumption in semiconductor chips while increasing mechanical strength. The product targets the challenges associated with 3D packaging applications and technologies.

IEDM 2011 slideshow: Sneak-peek at 10 conference papers

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 19:58:00 GMT

Ahead of next week's 57th IEEE International Electron Devices Meeting (IEDM, Dec. 5-7), we've scanned the entire program to present a quick slideshow sampling of some of the more intriguing papers.

Northwestern researchers advance Li-ion batteries with graphene-silicon sandwich

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 20:16:00 GMT

A team of engineers from Northwestern University has created an electrode for lithium-ion batteries that allows the batteries to hold a charge up to 10 times greater than current technology. Batteries with the new electrode also can charge 10 times faster than current batteries.

AEIS string inverters ready for Smart Grid communication

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 20:35:00 GMT

Advanced Energy Industries Inc. launched the PV Powered HE String inverter line for rooftop installations. It offers standard ZigBee wireless monitoring, high-efficiency, and multiple ease-of-installation features.

Smart grid research project utilizes Fronius inverters

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 18:29:00 GMT

The photovoltaic (PV) research power station in Eberstalzell, Austria, is now the site of a smart grid demonstration system. The project aims to prepare electricity grids for the increased use of renewable energy sources, particularly stable grid operation and maximum supply reliability.