Daniel Nocera describes new process for storing solar energy

In a revolutionary leap that could transform solar power from a marginal, boutique alternative into a mainstream energy source, MIT researchers have overcome a major barrier to large-scale solar power: storing energy for use when the sun doesn't shine.
See the original video on MIT TechTV - http://techtv.mit.edu/videos/633

Category:

Education

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• mit
• mittechtv
• solar
• catalyst
• energy
• nocera

[fabfabiola]

We will remember 2008 for Nocera's discovery. Not the Credit Panic, not Obama-McCain, not even Tina Fay.

What does it mean if every house becomes its own powerplant, its own filling station? Gone will be Exxon-Mobil, gone will be Saudi Arabia, gone will be Al Gore. All relegated to the heap trash with whale oil, buggy whips, slide rules.

Where is cobalt mined? The Congo - how does one buy long?

[robz40]

We can easily guess you've never tried it :-) It would be FAR more exepnsive. But if you build it and can prove me wrong.. I will be delighted.

[heavyweather]

@fabfabiola Some things need to be solved first though.

You still need a cheap solar cell, a way to store hydrogen over the cause of some days, a fuel cell,....

That things you need 10+ Billion units. Only ~25% of global electric energy needs are domestic. Only 1/4 of our energy needs are electrical energy.

Congo---you just buy cobalt or a stake in a mining company...

[JonnieBarnsley]

I might have missed this, but how much energy are we actually wasting by NOT having an adequate storage system for energy collected by solar power? And providing the use of solar panels becomes more widespread (which will require a drastic reduction in the cost will it not?), will the energy saved seriously be enough to power the planet?

[matchbox555]

well its 2011

it never happened

[Ultra4]

Can the hydrogen be stored and transfered safely? Other that using it at home to reconvert to water, could one easily (safely) get the hydrogen to a fuel cell vehicle? Electric car is very good, but like Nocera said back in 2008, you either change Shai Agassi's batteries every few miles or you need a better battery to solve the electric autonomy problem. Universal sized bottles of H2 and safety valves would work

[espido]

this is 2011 where is this tech ??

[bobstevefrank123]

Lol @ him wearing shorts to work. Lucky guy.

[crazynutzzz]

@insAneTunA Your right they will not or they are less likely to corrode, however I never once said they would corrode! I said they will "wear out". Metal particles or IONs will break away from the anode electrode and travel though the electrolyte and be deposited on the cathode. Over time the anode will erode away completely, and it will happen to any metal, however some will last loger than others. I only pointed this out because DominickBlack thinks they will last an eternity.

[insAneTunA]

@crazynutzzz Not if you use the right material. 316L stainless doesn't corrode, neither does nickel or titanium or platinum. Peace, iT

[dynagravitomagnetic]

The movie "chain reaction" is about him. Cobalt is one of the hardest metals, phosphates are relatively common. The United States Government is ready to declare water as a controlled substance (see congressional bill 738) or similar designation. Israel currently charges Palestinians 40 percent of their net income for water alone. Wells are metered, and soldiers patrol them. New wells are illegal. Rainwater collection without israeli permit is a crime.

[amberjacksolar]

Thank you for sharing this video! Solar energy storage is indeed the future!