New batteries improve solar efficiency and reduce costs

A research project conducted by the University of Southampton and REAPsystems, a lithium battery technology company, found that a new type of battery has the potential to improve solar efficiency and reduce costs.

The research project, sponsored by REAPsystems, is led by Wu Yue, Master of Science in Renewable Energy Technology, and by his mentors, Dr. Carlos Poncede Leon, Prof. Tom Markvart and Dr. John Low. The special feature of this study is the use of lithium batteries as the energy storage system of photovoltaic devices.

"At present, lead - acid batteries are generally used as storage devices for photovoltaic systems, but the lithium batteries we use, especially LiFePO4, have better characteristics," said Wu Yue.

LiFePO4 was first connected to a university building on a photovoltaic system, and then through the REAPsystems provided by the specially designed battery management system to collect data.

The study found that LiFePO4 energy efficiency of 95%, while the efficiency of ordinary lead-acid batteries is only about 80%. Lithium-ion batteries than the weight of lead-acid batteries, long life, up to 1600 charge / discharge cycle, which means that lithium batteries do not have frequent replacement.

Although lithium batteries need to be tested before commercial PV systems are put in place, LiFePO4 cells have the potential to increase the efficiency of solar power systems and reduce the cost of system installation and maintenance. Carlos PV module fixed frame Dr. Poncede Leon and John Low PhD program and other graduate students to further study the project.

"The principle behind the production of solar panels is that for all energy sources (both renewable and non-renewable), energy storage devices, such as batteries," said Dr. Dennis Doerffel, founder of REAPsystems and a former researcher at the University of Southampton, Energy use, compared with ordinary lead-acid batteries, LiFePO4 battery is more efficient, longer life, smaller weight, lower unit cost and we can see its photovoltaic applications and other renewable energy sources "The potential for widespread use in systems."