Horace Heffner
Wed, 09 Jul 2008 08:30:00 -0700
On Jul 8, 2008, at 2:57 PM, Robin van Spaandonk wrote:
Grid storage is precisely what Li batteries should NOT be used for. There isn't enough Li to go around. Li should be reserved for mobile applications. A far better and cheaper option for grid storage would be molten salt (100% efficientenergy input with 50%-70% efficient energy retrieval).
Yes, there is a need to make recovery of lithium from see water economical, as that would provide an practically unlimited source. Meanwhile there are some other developments in the queue:
http://news.cnet.com/8301-11128_3-9881869-54.html An article and photo on the ALTI test: http://news.cnet.com/8301-11128_3-9985393-54.htmlThere is also the vanadium approach, which has been slow to reach market:
http://www.vrbpower.com/No doubt about it, economical energy storage is the remaining barrier to a full conversion to renewable energy. The economics of wind plus solar have arrived at a tipping point I think, when environmental costs are considered.
Best regards, Horace Heffner http://www.mtaonline.net/~hheffner/