Energy storage will be a critical technology in the next decade to build resilience into the electric grid, and to meet renewable energy goals. Rechargeable batteries are considered to be the best for large-sized applications with two major types, lead acid and lithium-ion batteries dominating the market. Nickel-metal hydride batteries have been used for 2,000,000 hybrid vehicles worldwide. Today’s market grows quickly to meet the demands of energy, transportation and electronic industries.
Contemporary lithium batteries (invented about 30 years ago,) are currently produced by 160 manufacturers worldwide. While the market is exploding, and devices have been utilized for any imaginable application, the associated problems have not been resolved completely. Fires and explosions, geography of reserves and logistical barriers, toxicity of lithium and the lack of regeneration technology motivate innovators to look for new solutions. The replacement of lead-acid batteries is long overdue.
Panisolar’s strategy is to replace lithium and lead with zinc to produce high power, long cycle life, low cost, and safe storage devices. The company’s solutions are based on rechargeable zinc electrodes designed as replaceable cartridges to be used in nickel-zinc batteries, zinc-air fuel cells and hydrogen-on-demand systems.