Photoncycle, a Norwegian startup, is developing a solid hydrogen-based energy storage solution that claims to surpass existing battery technologies in efficiency and economy.
Achieving efficient storage of excessive solar energy from summer months to utilize during winter remains a challenge in the renewable energy space. Despite hydrogen’s environmentally-friendly properties, its utilization has been limited due to high costs and inefficiencies.
Photoncycle aims to solve this problem with its solid hydrogen-based technology. They process and store the hydrogen in solid form within an ammonia synthesis reactor. This solid-state storage method reportedly allows for safe and high-density hydrogen storage, beating the efficiency of both liquid hydrogen and batteries on the market.
Compared to lithium-ion batteries that use expensive metals, this new solution is relatively inexpensive, with costs as low as $1500 to store 10,000 kilowatt-hours. Photoncycle asserts that its energy storage solution can maintain the power density 20 times that of a lithium-ion battery without loss.
Furthermore, the system incorporates a high-temperature reversible fuel cell for in-situ hydrogen production and electricity generation. This innovative step adds a twist to the fuel cell technology used in vehicles.
The inconsistency of the renewable energy supply due to unpredictable weather conditions has been a significant hurdle in maximizing the benefits of clean energy solutions like rooftop solar. Here, a stable and reusable energy storage solution like Photoncycle’s can bridge the gap. The company has its sights on challenging Tesla’s Powerwall once it integrates its components into a complete system.
According to a feasibility study conducted by SINTEF, the company developed and validated individual components in 2022. Complete integration and scaling into a prototype are planned in 2023, with a full-scale pilot in 2024 and first residential product launch in 2025.
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