Solar thermal storage chemistry
Solar energy is used to drive the chemical reaction of a molecule, usually referred to as a molecular photoswitch, leading to an energy-rich metastable isomer, which stores the energy. The energy can later be released on demand, controlled thermally, catalytically, or through irradiation with selected wavelengths of light.
As the photovoltaic (PV) industry continues to evolve, advancements in Solar thermal storage chemistry have become critical to optimizing the utilization of renewable energy sources. From innovative battery technologies to intelligent energy management systems, these solutions are transforming the way we store and distribute solar-generated electricity.
6 FAQs about [Solar thermal storage chemistry]
What is molecular solar thermal energy storage?
Molecular solar thermal energy storage systems (MOST) offer emission-free energy storage where solar power is stored via valence isomerization in molecular photoswitches. These photoswitchable molecules can later release the stored energy as heat on-demand. Such systems are emerging in recent years as a vibr
Why should we use a molecular motif for solar thermal energy storage?
As the strongly coupled dimers 5 and 14 show a higher barrier for the first step in the thermal conversion compared to the second thermal conversion, this molecular motif can be used in future design of high-performance molecular switches for solar thermal energy storage as well as other applications.
Can molecular photoswitches be used in solar thermal energy storage?
The calculated energy densities of the dimer and trimer systems of up to 927 kJ kg −1 (257 Wh kg −1) and measured densities up to 559 kJ kg −1 (155 Wh kg −1) greatly exceed the original targets of 300 kJ kg -1 15 highlighting the potential of applying molecular photoswitches in future solar thermal energy storage technologies.
What are solar thermal batteries based on?
The solar thermal batteries based on MOST compounds will enable a solar-chargeable, off-grid, and long-term energy storage in light-weight organic materials that are easily produced from low-cost feedstocks, complementing the state-of-the-art energy conversion and storage technologies.
Can solar energy be stored in a chemical reaction?
Most such efforts have focused on storing and recovering solar energy in the form of electricity, but the new finding could provide a highly efficient method for storing the sun’s energy through a chemical reaction and releasing it later as heat.
Can solar energy be converted into thermal energy?
In addition to electrical energy, solar energy can also be initially converted into thermal energy for thermochemistry (TC), which we term it as Light–Heat–Chemistry (L–H–C).