Swedish Scientists Develop A Way To Store Solar Energy For 18 Years

Solar-powered electronics are one step closer to becoming an everyday part of our lives thanks to a radical new scientific breakthrough achieved by scientists led by Dr. Kasper Moth-Paulsen at the Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden, Lottie Limb reported for Euronews. Green.

Photo Insert: The technology is based on a specially designed molecule of carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen that changes shape when it comes into contact with sunlight.

In 2017, the team created an energy system that makes it possible to capture and store solar energy for up to 18 years, releasing it as heat when needed. Now, the researchers have succeeded in getting the system to produce electricity by connecting it to a thermoelectric generator.

Though still in its early stages, the concept developed at Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenberg could pave the way for self-charging electronics that use stored solar energy on demand. The new study was published in the journal Cell Reports Physical Science last month.

"This is a radically new way of generating electricity from solar energy. It means that we can use solar energy to produce electricity regardless of weather, time of day, season, or geographical location,” explained Poulsen, a professor at the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at Chalmers.

“I’m very excited about this work,” he added. “We hope with future development this will be an important part in the future energy system.” The solar energy system is known as Molecular Solar Thermal Energy Storage Systems (MOST.)

The technology is based on a specially designed molecule of carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen that changes shape when it comes into contact with sunlight. It shapeshifts into an energy-rich isomer, a molecule made up of the same atoms but arranged together in a different way.

The isomer can then be stored in liquid form for later use when needed, such as at night or in the depths of winter. A catalyst releases the saved energy as heat while returning the molecule to its original shape, ready to be used again.

WEEKLY FEATURE : MVP Group Keeps Lights On During Pandemic