Large Batteries

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

California solar energy policy discussion with The Solar Alliance

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 15:55:00 GMT

ara Birmingham, The Solar Alliance, covers California -- and US -- solar energy policy at Solar Power International 2011.

China's lithium-ion battery growth trends

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 15:33:00 GMT

China's lithium ion battery market rose 38% in 2010 to RMB 27.61 billion and is expected to keep growing rapidly, thanks to the country's strong automotive industry and competitive local governments pushing to develop high-end technologies, CCID Consulting reports.

MIT names Microsystems Technology Lab leader

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 20:10:00 GMT

MIT named Vladimir Bulović as director of MIT's Microsystems Technology Laboratories (MTL). Bulović has experience in a range of advanced electronics technologies, from photovoltaics to MEMS.

AEIS on PV islanding and grid-tie considerations

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

After a demonstration of Solar Energy Grid Integration System technology by Advanced Energy Industries Inc. (Nasdaq:AEIS), the company’s control solutions manager for advanced energy, Michael Mills-Price, spoke with senior technical editor Debra Vogler about the solar photovoltaics inverter control project, and what “islanding” means for a solar installation.

Petra Solar smart-grid-management system targets utility-scale users

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 17:21:00 GMT

Petra Solar launched its IntelliView smart energy platform for utilities managing a range of smart grid applications. IntelliView combines smart grid network infrastructure management and renewable energy management services.

Smart grids supercharge Li-ion battery demand

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 14:54:00 GMT

Smart grids will generate nearly $6 billion demand for lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries by 2020, to fulfill energy storage needs, according to the IHS iSuppli Rechargeable Batteries Special Report. Li-ion batteries will become the dominant rechargable energy storage technology for smart grids.

Energy energizes TECHCON 2011

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 15:41:00 GMT

From the Semiconductor Research Corp.'s Energy Research Initiative to student work on consumer privacy protection in the smart grid, energy was a major topic at this week's TECHCON 2011. Check out this video coverage from the event on smart grids and leading-edge energy work.

Siemens Poly Power Units improve polysilicon manufacturing

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 18:39:00 GMT

The Siemens Industry Automation Division debuted Poly Power Units (PPU), modular power supplies for polysilicon manufacturing. The power units integrate easily with Siemens CVD reactors and forgo rigid cabinets to ease maintenance and factory floor planning.