Monday, August 27, 2012

Lithium-ion Capacitors (LICs) In Wind Power Generation


Market Forecast (2011-2021)

According to ElectroniCast, the consumption value of LICs in wind power generation is forecast to reach over $150 million in 2021…


 ElectroniCast Consultants, a leading market & technology forecast consultancy, recently announced their market forecast of the worldwide consumption of lithium-ion capacitors (LICs) used in wind power (wind turbines) generation. 

ElectroniCast estimates that in 2011, the worldwide consumption value of lithium-ion capacitors used in wind power generation applications was less than $1 million. From 2016-2021, the total consumption value is forecast an increase nearly 80 percent per year, reaching over $150 million in the year 2021. Market forecast data in this study report refers to consumption for a particular calendar year; therefore, this data is not cumulative data.

A capacitor is an electrical device that stores or releases electricity through rapid electrostatic reactions. Compared with a battery that stores electricity through slow chemical reactions, a capacitor makes it possible to charge and discharge electricity almost instantaneously with a long cycle life. 

Lithium-Ion Capacitors (LICs) have a higher power density as compared to batteries and they are safer in use than Lithium-Ion Batteries (LIBs), since thermal runaway reactions may occur with LIBs. Compared to an Electric Double-Layer Capacitor (EDLC), the lithium-ion capacitor has a higher output voltage. They both have similar power densities, but energy density of a lithium-ion capacitor is higher.

Wind power is the conversion of wind energy into a useful form of energy, such as using wind turbines to make electricity.  In relationship to the use of lithium-ion capacitors, this ElectroniCast study deals mostly with small-scale wind power, which is the name given to wind generation systems with the capacity to produce up to 100 kW of electrical power. 

The future of the lithium-ion capacitor (LIC) market, despite exciting innovative devices driven by technological advances and ecological/energy-saving concerns, still face challenges in overcoming performance/price limitations and in attracting widespread consumption.  The use of LICs in wind power generation applications is increasing, initiating from government-based initiative – then to commercial/business – and eventually to the consumer-level.

The ElectroniCast market forecast of consumption is presented for two major End-User categories: Government/Commercial and Residential/Non-Specific (Other).  The Government/ Commercial category is forecast to maintain its market leadership role during the forecast period, with 91% of the worldwide market in 2011 and eventually falling to 73% as Residential/Other applications begin using the (new) solution.  There are many different sources of energy (coal, nuclear, natural gas, hydro, oil), therefore, the use of wind turbine-based products, as well as other alternative or renewable energy solutions (naturally replenished) are constantly striving to serve the needs of consumers.

For detailed information on this or other services provided by ElectroniCast, please contact Theresa Hosking, Marketing/Sales; thosking@electronicastconsultants.com  
(Telephone/USA: 707/275-9397)

ElectroniCast Consultants – www.electronicast.com specializes in forecasting trends in technology forecasting, markets and applications forecasting, strategic planning and consulting. ElectroniCast Consultants, as a technology-based independent forecasting firm, serves industrial companies, trade associations, government agencies, communication and data network companies and the financial community.  Reduction of the risk of major investment decisions is the main benefit provided.  ElectroniCast Consultants’ goal is to understand the challenges and opportunities facing clients and to provide timely, accurate information for strategic planning.

Tax Breaks for Wind Energy Companies

According to President Barack Obama's re-election campaign Mitt Romney opposes a tax cut for wind energy companies.

The renewable energy industry says that if the tax break expires, it will cost about 37,000 jobs nationally.

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Graphene Anode Material - Charged or Discharged 10 Times Faster

Batteries Made From World’s Thinnest Material Could Power Tomorrow’s Electric Cars
Engineering Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Use Intentionally Blemished Graphene Paper To Create Easy-To-Make, Quick-Charging Lithium-ion Battery With High Power Density
SEM image of the cross section of photo-thermally reduced graphene shows an expanded structure. The graphene sheets are spaced apart with an inter-connected network allowing for greater electrolyte wetting and lithium ion access for efficient high rate performance in lithium ions batteries.

Engineering researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute made a sheet of paper from the world’s thinnest material, graphene, and then zapped the paper with a laser or camera flash to blemish it with countless cracks, pores, and other imperfections. The result is a graphene anode material that can be charged or discharged 10 times faster than conventional graphite anodes used in today’s lithium (Li)-ion batteries.
Rechargeable Li-ion batteries are the industry standard for mobile phones, laptop and tablet computers, electric cars, and a range of other devices. While Li-ion batteries have a high energy density and can store large amounts of energy, they suffer from a low power density and are unable to quickly accept or discharge energy. This low power density is why it takes about an hour to charge your mobile phone or laptop battery, and why electric automobile engines cannot rely on batteries alone and require a supercapacitor for high-power functions such as acceleration and braking.

The Rensselaer research team, led by nanomaterials expert Nikhil Koratkar, sought to solve this problem and create a new battery that could hold large amounts of energy but also quickly accept and release this energy. Such an innovation could alleviate the need for the complex pairing of Li-ion batteries and supercapacitors in electric cars, and lead to simpler, better-performing automotive engines based solely on high-energy, high-power Li-ion batteries. Koratkar and his team are confident their new battery, created by intentionally engineering defects in graphene, is a critical stepping stone on the path to realizing this grand goal. Such batteries could also significantly shorten the time it takes to charge portable electronic devices from phones and laptops to medical devices used by paramedics and first responders.

“Li-ion battery technology is magnificent, but truly hampered by its limited power density and its inability to quickly accept or discharge large amounts of energy. By using our defect-engineered graphene paper in the battery architecture, I think we can help overcome this limitation,” said Koratkar, the John A. Clark and Edward T. Crossan Professor of Engineering at Rensselaer. “We believe this discovery is ripe for commercialization, and can make a significant impact on the development of new batteries and electrical systems for electric automobiles and portable electronics applications.”

Results of the study were published this week by the journal ACS Nano in the paper “Photo-thermally reduced graphene as high power anodes for lithium ion batteries.” See the paper online at: http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/nn303145j

Koratkar and his team started investigating graphene as a possible replacement for the graphite used as the anode material in today’s Li-ion batteries. Essentially a single layer of the graphite found commonly in our pencils or the charcoal we burn on our barbeques, graphene is an atom-thick sheet of carbon atoms arranged like a nanoscale chicken-wire fence. In previous studies, Li-ion batteries with graphite anodes exhibited good energy density but low power density, meaning they could not charge or discharge quickly. This slow charging and discharging was because lithium ions could only physically enter or exit the battery’s graphite anode from the edges, and slowly work their way across the length of the individual layers of graphene.

Koratkar’s solution was to use a known technique to create a large sheet of graphene oxide paper. This paper is about the thickness of a piece of everyday printer paper, and can be made nearly any size or shape. The research team then exposed some of the graphene oxide paper to a laser, and other samples of the paper were exposed to a simple flash from a digital camera. In both instances, the heat from the laser or photoflash literally caused mini-explosions throughout the paper, as the oxygen atoms in graphene oxide were violently expelled from the structure. The aftermath of this oxygen exodus was sheets of graphene pockmarked with countless cracks, pores, voids, and other blemishes. The pressure created by the escaping oxygen also prompted the graphene paper to expand five-fold in thickness, creating large voids between the individual graphene sheets.

The researchers quickly learned this damaged graphene paper performed remarkably well as an anode for a Li-ion battery. Whereas before the lithium ions slowly traversed the full length of graphene sheets to charge or discharge, the ions now used the cracks and pores as shortcuts to move quickly into or out of the graphene—greatly increasing the battery’s overall power density. Koratkar’s team demonstrated how their experimental anode material could charge or discharge 10 times faster than conventional anodes in Li-ion batteries without incurring a significant loss in its energy density. Despite the countless microscale pores, cracks, and voids that are ubiquitous throughout the structure, the graphene paper anode is remarkably robust, and continued to perform successfully even after more than 1,000 charge/discharge cycles. The high electrical conductivity of the graphene sheets also enabled efficient electron transport in the anode, which is another necessary property for high-power applications.

Koratkar said the process of making these new graphene paper anodes for Li-ion batteries can easily be scaled up to suit the needs of industry. The graphene paper can be made in essentially any size and shape, and the photo-thermal exposure by laser or camera flashes is an easy and inexpensive process to replicate. The researchers have filed for patent protection for their discovery. The next step for this research project is to pair the graphene anode material with a high-power cathode material to construct a full battery.
Along with Koratkar, co-authors of the paper are Rensselaer graduate students Rahul Mukherjee, Abhay Varghese Thomas, and Ajay Krishnamurthy, all of the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Nuclear Engineering (MANE).

The study was funded by the National Science Foundation, and supported by Koratkar’s John A. Clark and Edward T.Crossan Endowed Chair Professorship at Rensselaer.
Koratkar is a professor in MANE and the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Rensselaer. He is also a faculty member of the university’s Center for Future Energy Systems and the Rensselaer Nanotechnology Center.

For more information on the Koratkar’s research at Rensselaer, visit:

SOURCE LINK: http://news.rpi.edu/update.do










Monday, August 20, 2012

Lithium-Ion Capacitors in Wind Power Generation Global Market Forecast & Analysis (2011-2021)

ElectroniCast Consultants                                

 

Publish Date:             August 20, 2012
Text Pages:               239
Also Included:            Excel worksheets and PowerPoint Slides
Fee:                            US$3,200

Contact for More Information: Stephen Montgomery



This ElectroniCast report provides a 2011-2021 market forecast and analysis of the worldwide consumption of lithium-ion capacitors (LICs) used in wind power generation (wind turbine) applications.

ElectroniCast Consultants published a report specifically addressing the potential use of lithium-ion capacitors in solar photovoltaic (PV) power generation applications in December 2011; and now we are releasing this report addressing the use of lithium-ion capacitors in wind power generation applications.

A capacitor is an electrical device that stores or releases electricity through rapid electrostatic reactions. Compared with a battery that stores electricity through slow chemical reactions, a capacitor makes it possible to charge and discharge electricity almost instantaneously with a long cycle life. 

Lithium-Ion Capacitors (LICs) have a higher power density as compared to batteries and LIC’s are safer in use than Lithium-Ion Batteries (LIBs), since thermal runaway reactions may occur with the LIBs. Compared to an Electric Double-Layer Capacitor (EDLC), the lithium-ion capacitor has a higher output voltage. They both have similar power densities, but energy density of a lithium-ion capacitor is higher.

Lithium-ion capacitors contain no hazardous substances, such as heavy metals (Cadmium, Mercury or Lead) making them environmentally friendly electrical storage devices.  They are also characterized by an ability to charge with even weak current, and as a result, demand is expected to increase substantially in environmentally friendly fields such as solar power generation.

The use of lithium-ion capacitors as independent power supplies in combination with wind turbines (wind power) is considered for a wide range of devices such as off-grid power systems, water pumping/filtration systems, LED streetlights and roadway/railway signage, telecommunication equipment, surveillance cameras, security sensors and other applications.

Wind power is the conversion of wind energy into a useful form of energy, such as using wind turbines to make electricity.  In relationship to the use of lithium-ion capacitors, this study deals mostly with small-scale wind power, which is the name given to wind generation systems with the capacity to produce up to 100 kW of electrical power.  Isolated communities, which may otherwise rely on diesel generators, may use wind turbines as an alternative.

ElectroniCast analysts performed interviews (primary research) with authoritative and representative individuals concerned with the power storage industry sector, plus “renewable” (naturally replenished) energy power generating technologies (wind, solar and other), energy-efficient lighting (LEDs), consumer power-stations, migration systems of voltage sags/swells, uninterruptible power supply (UPS) devices, off-grid energy cooperatives, and many other concerns and related entities.

The future of the lithium-ion capacitor (LIC) market, despite exciting innovative devices driven by technological advances and ecological/energy-saving concerns, still face challenges in overcoming performance/price limitations and in attracting widespread consumption.  The use of LICs in wind power generation applications is increasing, initiating from government-based initiative – then to commercial/business – and eventually to the consumer-level.

On-going extensive customer demand-side and supplier-side information interviews, combined with ElectroniCast background of information and opinions in the energy efficiency solution field were the basis for estimating data to be inserted into the analysis/forecast data base spreadsheets.  Published information related to LIC and related component/applications and consumption, was reviewed, including:

  • Trade press
·        Press release information
  • Financial reports
  • Web site background information
  • Vendor production information
  • Other published information

The ElectroniCast market forecast (Excel spreadsheet) database structure used for this project is provided for insertion (and later manipulation) of quantities, prices (and thus value) for lithium-ion capacitors used in wind power generation applications for each year, in each end-user category subset of each geographical region.  This technique permits analysis for reasonableness check at all levels.  The final database/spreadsheet is the source for the various values incorporated in the tables and figures in this report and quoted in the (report) text.




Regional Market Segmentation This report provides the market data by the following regional segments and sub-regions:

·        Global (Total)
o       America
§         United States and Canada
§         Latin America
o       EMEA
§         Northern Europe
§         Southern Europe
§         Western Europe
§         Eastern Europe
§         Middle East and Africa
o       APAC
§         People’s Republic of China (PRC)
§         Japan
§         Republic of Korea (ROK)
§         Rest of APAC


The estimate of 2011 plus the market forecast (2012-2021) is presented for Lithium-Ion capacitors for use with wind power generation (wind turbines).  The Lithium-Ion capacitor (LIC) market forecast data are segmented by the following functions:

·        Consumption Value (US$, million)
·        Quantity (number/Farad: Million)
·        Average Selling Prices (ASP $, each Farad)


Nominal Capacitance - Farad (F):          The farad (symbol: F) is the SI unit of capacitance (SI is the International System of Units).  Capacitance is the ability of a capacitor to store energy in an electric field. Capacitance is also a measure of the amount of electric potential energy stored (or separated) for a given electric potential. A common form of energy storage device is a parallel-plate capacitor.

  
Market Forecast Application Categories

The ElectroniCast market forecast of consumption is presented for two major End-User categories:

·  Government/Commercial
·  Residential/Non-Specific

The market share (%) of the consumption value market forecast, by end-user group, is shown in the Figure below.  The Government/ Commercial category is forecast to maintain its market leadership role during the forecast period.  There are many different sources of energy (coal, nuclear, natural gas, hydro, oil), therefore, the use of wind turbine-based products, as well as other alternative or renewable energy solutions (naturally replenished) are constantly striving to serve the needs of consumers.

The Residential category also includes “other” applications, which typically fall under the non-specific group based mostly on the web-based sale channels or other distribution channel where it often difficult to ascertain the final user-group of the product. 

Thursday, August 2, 2012

SCHOTT Solar wins CSP Today Award

• Recognized in the category “CSP Technology and Supplier”
• Advanced CSP receivers from SCHOTT Solar offer higher efficiency and long-term stability

SCHOTT Solar was honored for the second year in a row in the United States by winning the “CSP Technology and Supplier Award.” SCHOTT Solar CSP accepted this honor at the annual U.S. conference of CSP Today in Las Vegas at the end of June. The award confirms that concentrating solar thermal receivers from SCHOTT Solar play a key role in increasing the efficiency of modern solar power plants. Furthermore, they contribute to cost reductions and the long-term success of Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) plant technology thanks to their outstanding design. SCHOTT Solar CSP’s further development and improvement of the SCHOTT PTR® 70 receivers continue to set new standards in the area of efficiency and long-term stability.

“We are delighted at being voted CSP Technology Supplier of the Year; this honor clearly underscores our high standard for quality at SCHOTT Solar. In addition, this honor once again confirms that the market views us as an innovative force in the area of receiver technology,” commented Christoph Fark, Managing Director of SCHOTT Solar CSP.

The receiver – the heart of a solar power plant
Vacuum-insulated receivers in CSP power plants convert the con-centrated rays of the sun into heat that is used initially to produce steam and then to generate electricity inside a steam turbine. The question of how much solar radiation the receivers are able to convert into heat plays a key role in the efficiency of these sys-tems. Thanks to a new coating, SCHOTT Solar has now managed to increase the degree of absorption to over 95.5 percent. At the same time, thermal radiation has been reduced to less than 9.5 percent. A further increase in absorption capacity was achieved by designing the ends of the receivers in a new way and expanding the active surface to 96.7 percent of the entire length, but also by using optional new reflectors on the ends of the receivers.

Besides performance, the durability of receivers is also of im-mense importance to the economic success of a solar thermal power plant. SCHOTT Solar developed noble gas capsules that can be integrated into the vacuum area of the receivers and be opened at any time later on during operation of the power plant as a way of reducing heat losses even after many years of operation. The noble gas helps keep heat losses permanently low and allows for the receivers to continue operating at high efficiency levels.

“Solar power can be generated even more economically in the future thanks to our new generation of receivers. By again con-tributing to lower costs of this core technology, we will also be able to ensure the continued growth of this important industry. Today, CSP power plants already offer a genuine alternative to conven-tional fossil fuel-based power plants,” Fark explains.

CSP technology will also be used in the “Power From the Desert” project Desertec. The goal of the industrial initiative Dii is to cover around 20 percent of Europe's electrical power needs by the year 2050 by relying on imports from North Africa. This would enable Europe to lower its electricity costs by about 40 percent. The very first wind and solar power plants with 250 megawatts of power in total are scheduled to be built soon in Morocco and should begin supplying power starting in 2014.

About the CSP Today Award


CSP Today is an independent company that provides the CSP industry with a platform for exchanging information on technolo-gies and new market developments. CSP Today has been award-ing prizes and recognizing special achievements since 2009.

Source Link:  http://www.us.schott.com/english/news/press_releases.html?NID=456

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Develop New Technology for Grid-Level Electrical Energy Storage

PHILADELPHIA, July 10, 2012

The electrochemical flow capacitor technology, developed at Drexel, could be a solution to using renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power.
In the aftermath of the recent United Nations Rio+20 Conference on Sustainable Development, the focus of many industrialized nations is beginning to shift toward planning for a sustainable future. One of the foremost challenges for sustainability is efficient use of renewable energy resources, a goal that hinges on the ability to store this energy when it is produced and disburse it when it is needed.

A team of researchers from Drexel University’s College of Engineering has taken up this challenge and have developed a new method for quickly and efficiently storing large amounts of electrical energy.

The Challenge of Renewable Energy

Electrical energy storage is the obstacle preventing more widespread use of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power. Due to the unpredictable nature of wind and solar energy, the ability to store this energy when it is produced is essential for turning these resources into reliable sources of energy. The current U.S. energy grid system is used predominantly for distributing energy and allows little flexibility for storage of excess or a rapid dispersal on short notice.

The Drexel’s team of researchers is putting forward a plan to integrate into the grid an electrochemical storage system that combines principles behind the flow batteries and supercapacitors that power our daily technology.

Existing Technology

Batteries store a large amount of energy, but are relatively slow in discharging it and they have a limited lifespan, or cycle-life, than their counterparts – electrochemical capacitors, which are commonly called “supercapacitors” or “ultracapacitors.”

Conventional supercapacitors provide a high power output with minimal degradation in performance for as many as 1,000,000 charge-discharge cycles. The capacitor can rapidly store and discharge energy, but only in small amounts compared to the battery.

The obstacle in the way of using either a battery or a supercapacitor to store energy in the grid is that energy storage ability is inextricably tied to the size of the battery or the supercapacitor being used. Supercapacitors, similar to lithium-ion batteries, are manufactured in fairly small cells ranging in size from a coin to a soda can. Large amounts of expensive material, such as metal current collectors, polymer separators and packaging, would be required to construct a battery or supercapacitor of the size necessary to function effectively in the energy grid.

“Packing together thousands of conventional small devices to build a system for large-scale stationary energy storage is too expensive,” said Dr. Yury Gogotsi, director of the A.J. Drexel Nanotechnology Institute and the lead researcher on the project. “A liquid storage system, the capacity of which is limited only by the tank size, can be cost-effective and scalable.”

A Grid Energy Storage Solution
The team’s research yielded a novel solution that combines the strengths of batteries and supercapacitors while also negating the scalability problem. The “electrochemical flow capacitor” (EFC) consists of an electrochemical cell connected to two external electrolyte reservoirs - a design similar to existing redox flow batteries which are used in electrical vehicles. 

This technology is unique because it uses small carbon particles suspended in the electrolyte liquid to create a slurry of particles that can carry an electric charge.

Uncharged slurry is pumped from its tanks through a flow cell, where energy stored in the cell is then transferred to the carbon particles. The charged slurry can then be stored in reservoirs until the energy is needed, at which time the entire process is reversed in order to discharge the EFC.
The main advantage of the EFC is that its design allows it to be constructed on a scale large enough to store large amounts of energy, while also allowing for rapid disbursal of the energy when the demand dictates it.
“By using a slurry of carbon particles as the active material of supercapacitors, we are able to adopt the system architecture from redox flow batteries and address issues of cost and scalability,” Gogotsi said
In flow battery systems, as well as the EFC, the energy storage capacity is determined by the size of the reservoirs, which store the charged material. If a larger capacity is desired, the tanks can simply be scaled up in size. Similarly, the power output of the system is controlled by the size of the electrochemical cell, with larger cells producing more power.

“Flow battery architecture is very attractive for grid-scale applications because it allows for scalable energy storage by decoupling the power and energy density,” said Dr. E.C. Kumbur, director of Drexel’s Electrochemical Energy Systems Laboratory. “Slow response rate is a common problem for most energy storage systems. Incorporating the rapid charging and discharging ability of supercapacitors into this architecture is a major step toward effectively storing energy from fluctuating renewable sources and being able to quickly deliver the energy, as it is needed.”

This design also gives the EFC a relatively long usage life compared to currently used flow batteries. According to the researchers, the EFC can potentially be operated in stationary applications for hundreds of thousands of charge-discharge cycles.

“This technology can potentially address cost and lifespan issues that we face with the current electrochemical energy storage technologies,” Kumbur said.

“We believe that this new technology has important applications in [the renewable energy] field,” said Dr. Volker Presser, who was an assistant research professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the time the initial work was done. “Moreover, these technologies can also be used to enhance the efficiency of existing power sources, and improve the stability of the grid.”

This concept for energy storage was recently published in a special issue of Advanced Energy Materials focused on next-generation batteries. The team’s ongoing work is focused on developing new slurry compositions based on different carbon nanomaterials and electrolytes, as well as optimizing their flow capacitor design. The group is also designing a small demonstration prototype to illustrate the fundamental operation of the system.

“We have observed very promising performance so far, being close to that of conventional packaged supercapacitor cells,” Gogotsi said. “However, we will need to increase the energy density per unit of slurry volume by an order of magnitude, and achieve it using very inexpensive carbon and salt solutions to make the technology practical.”

Source Link: http://www.drexel.edu/now/news-media/releases/archive/2012/July/Engineers-Develop-New-Grid-Level-Energy-Storage-Technology/

Friday, June 29, 2012

California Utility to Measure Photovoltaics’ Effect on the Power Grid

GridSense, an Acorn Energy Company, Partners with California Utility to Measure Photovoltaics’ Effect on the Power Grid


Sacramento, CA – June 28, 2012 ‐ GridSense, an Acorn Energy (NASDAQ: ACFN) company that develops and markets advanced monitoring solutions for the electric power industry, has announced that a California utility will use its LineIQTM solution to measure the impact of photovoltaic (PV) generated power as it enters the utility grid.

Many states are mandating increases in the percentage of power generated from renewables. California has implemented a law requiring utilities to procure 33% of their electricity from eligible renewable energy sources by 2020, of which solar will comprise a significant part.

As more and more solar comes online, however, utilities are grappling with its disruptive effects on the grid. Non‐renewable power sources are relatively constant. They are very predictable and rarely impacted by time of day, season, or hour‐to‐hour changes in weather conditions. That is not the case with PVs. PV capacity is different in summer than it is in winter. In volatile weather, it can change significantly on an hour‐by‐hour, or even minute‐by‐minute basis.

“Loading is a particular concern as PVs enter the grid,” says Brandy Henson, GridSense Sales Manager. “Grappling with significant power fluctuations challenges traditional utility models. It demands a more fluid and flexible smart grid control mechanism. To accomplish that, you need extensive, reliable monitoring.

The California utility is using LineIQTM monitoring system on distribution lines surrounding PVs to gauge their impact as they feed the grid. Monitoring will focus on fluctuations at different times of day, and due to sun and weather conditions. For this application, LineIQTM has been programmed to sample every two seconds to ensure a truly high‐resolution view of line conditions over time.

With its ability to monitor lines up to 138kV, self‐powered design, and accommodation of any communications protocol, the unit is uniquely qualified for this type of high‐intensity monitoring. Considering the worldwide emphasis on integrating PV and other renewables into the grid, GridSense anticipates an increase in the demand for renewable energy source monitoring.

“We’re thrilled that utilities are continuing to recognize the value and versatility of the LineIQTM monitoring solution,” says Henson.

“The ability to monitor higher voltage lines, the depth of intelligent data it collects, and its aptitude for extremely high‐intensity sampling make it a perfect tool to help utilities seamlessly integrate more renewables into their network.”

About GridSense Inc.
GridSense is a smart grid technology company dedicated to providing innovative, practical and cost effective monitoring solutions to the electric power industry. Utilizing in‐depth industry knowledge and understanding of utility requirements, we provide technology and services that help the industry address the limitations of old and aging infrastructure. We apply experience and technical know how with new insight and ideas to create intelligent, reliable and leading edge technologies that add value to our customers and
shape the future of the modern electrical power system.

Source Link: http://www.acornenergy.com/rsc/articles/news-366.pdf

Friday, June 22, 2012

Ascent Solar Accepts Order for EnerPlex TM Charger for Apple's iPhone




Product debut in Asia in early August
THORNTON, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:ASTI), a developer of state-of-the-art, flexible thin-film photovoltaic modules, announced today that it has received a purchase order for 50,000 units of its EnerPlex solar charger for the Apple ® (NASDAQ:AAPL) iPhone ® *. The EnerPlex charger was launched in early June, and it was displayed at Ascent's annual shareholder's meeting. It was first publicly displayed to the industry at Intersolar in Europe last week. The product takes advantage of Ascent's ultra-light, thin and flexible solar panels and enables iPhone users to provide supplementary charging of their iPhones with sunlight.

The order is from Ascent's exclusive distributor in Asia, TFG Radiant, which has advance orders from its channel partners for retail distribution throughout the Asia region. Ascent plans to fulfill the channel orders, supporting the early August retail launch of EnerPlex chargers in Asia.
Ascent Solar's President and CEO, Victor Lee, said "Initial response to the EnerPlex solar charger has been excellent. We are very encouraged by the initial orders we have received from our distribution partners in Asia and we are receiving strong interest from potential distributors worldwide. We plan to work closely with our channel partners in Asia to support the retail launch of EnerPlex while continuing to pursue expansion opportunities for this revolutionary line of products around the world."
Lee continued, "Ascent unveiled the EnerPlex charger at Intersolar Europe last week to a tremendous response. The market is clearly excited about our sleek design which provides consumers with a new and fashionable way to power their smartphone. With this launch of our first EnerPlex product, with many more to come, we are taking the first step toward driving a new revenue stream with significant growth opportunity for the company."
This charger is the first product under Ascent's new EnerPlex line of consumer products. Ascent is developing future products for other leading smart phones and consumer devices, such as the Samsung ® Galaxy S ® III *.
Photos, a promotional video, and product information can be found at www.ascentsolar.com/enerplex.

About Ascent Solar Technologies:
Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc. is a developer of thin-film photovoltaic modules using flexible substrate materials that can transform the way solar power generation integrates into everyday life. Ascent Solar modules can be directly integrated into standard building materials, commercial transportation, automotive solutions, space applications, consumer electronics for portable power and durable off-grid solutions. Additional information can be found at www.ascentsolar.com.

* Apple and iPhone are registered trademarks of Apple Inc.
Samsung and Galaxy S are registered trademarks of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Samsung Galaxy is a trademark of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Forward-Looking Statements
Statements in this press release that are not statements of historical or current fact constitute "forward-looking statements." Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other unknown factors that could cause the Company's actual operating results to be materially different from any historical results or from any future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. In addition to statements that explicitly describe these risks and uncertainties, readers are urged to consider statements that contain terms such as "believes," "belief," "expects," "expect," "intends," "intend," "anticipate," "anticipates," "plans," "plan," to be uncertain and forward-looking. The forward-looking statements contained herein are also subject generally to other risks and uncertainties that are described from time to time in the Company's filings with the SEC.


Source: Ascent Solar Technologies
News Provided by Acquire Media

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

LIC in Solar Photovoltaic Power Generation (2011-2021)


Market Reserach from ElectroniCast: Lithium-ion Capacitors (LICs)

            The use of lithium-ion capacitors as independent power supplies in combination with photovoltaic panels is being considered for a wide range of devices such as streetlights, roadside signage/displays, airfield lighting, surveillance cameras, and security sensors.  Lithium-ion capacitors are characterized by an ability to charge with even weak current, and as a result, demand is expected to increase substantially in environmentally friendly fields such as solar power generation.

            Market Forecast Application Categories             This chapter presents the ElectroniCast market forecast for the years 2011-2021 for the worldwide consumption (use) of lithium-ion capacitors (LICs) used in solar photovoltaic power generation applications. Regional and sub-regional market forecasts are also presented and segmented by two major End-User categories:

·  Government/Commercial
·  Residential/Non-Specific

Market Forecast Functions               The estimate of 2011 plus the market forecast (2012-2021) is presented for Lithium-Ion capacitors for use with solar photovoltaic (PV) power generation.  The Lithium-Ion capacitor (LIV) market forecast data are segmented by the following functions:

·        Consumption Value (US$, million)
·        Quantity (number/Farad: Million)
·        Average Selling Prices (ASP $, each Farad)

The consumption of lithium-ion capacitors is very much in the development stage (or infancy stage) of its product life cycle (PLC), especially in conjunction with the use solar photovoltaic power (solar panels).

There are many different sources of energy (coal, nuclear, natural gas, hydro, oil), therefore, the use of solar photovoltaic products, as well as other alternative or renewable energy solutions are constantly striving to serve the needs of consumers.

The Government/Commercial category, with an emphasis on the government sector using solar panel/light emitting diode (LED) streetlights, is forecast to lead the marketplace during the forecast period (2011-2021).

The Residential category also includes “other” applications, which typically fall under the non-specific group based mostly on the web-based sale channels or other distribution channel where it often difficult to ascertain the final user-group of the product.  

Contact:  Stephen Montgomery



 

Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC)

OPIC Board Approves $175 Million for Two Renewable Energy Investment Funds

TPG and GEF to help bring latest technologies to reduce environmental impact in Latin America, Southeast Asia & Sub-Saharan Africa
WASHINGTON--()--The Board of Directors of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), the U.S. Government’s development finance institution, approved $175 million in financing for two new investment funds that will bring the latest renewable energy technologies to emerging markets in Latin America, Southeast Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, helping to lay the foundation for the sector’s growth in those regions for years to come.
“The GEF Africa Growth Fund will make investments that accelerate the development of Africa’s energy infrastructure, particularly in industries that can raise agribusiness output to meet consumption needs.”
The Board approved $125 million in financing for TPG Alternative & Renewable Technologies Partners (TPG ART). TPG will invest in companies matching the best renewable technologies from the United States and Europe to markets in Latin America and Southeast Asia. TPG will also support the adoption of renewable technologies that will have a lower environmental impact than the traditional methods of energy generation used today.

“Taking the latest renewable energy technologies and applying them to emerging markets is one of the great development challenges of the coming years. Be it converting local biomass to high-value products, improving energy storage, or making use of state-of-the-art building materials, the technologies invested in by this fund will represent an important step toward meeting that challenge,” said OPIC President and CEO Elizabeth Littlefield.

The Board also approved $50 million for the GEF Africa Growth Fund, which will invest in environment-related energy infrastructure across Sub-Saharan Africa in order to improve the efficiency of energy and agribusiness production in the region. The fund will target investments in clean electricity generation; energy management systems; distribution infrastructure; energy efficiency technologies and services; and companies which promote sustainable management and harvesting of timber and agriculture. The fund has a target capitalization of $150 million.

GEF’s investments in clean and renewable forms of energy will help offset the increased demand for fossil‐fuel power generation in the subcontinent. Rapid economic growth across Africa has resulted in a significant electricity shortage that requires a dependence on costly diesel generators or improvised kerosene lighting. Similarly, the expansion is prompting higher levels of food consumption, which is expected to grow by 2.6 percent annually through 2018.

“Rising energy demand and food consumption in Sub-Saharan Africa makes the connection between renewable energy and agribusiness critical to the subcontinent’s future,” said Ms. Littlefield. “The GEF Africa Growth Fund will make investments that accelerate the development of Africa’s energy infrastructure, particularly in industries that can raise agribusiness output to meet consumption needs.”

TPG ART is managed by TPG , a leading global private investment firm founded in 1992 with $51.5 billion of assets under management and offices in Fort Worth, San Francisco, Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Houston, London, Luxembourg, Melbourne, Moscow, Mumbai, New York, Paris, São Paulo, Shanghai, Singapore and Tokyo.

GEF Africa Growth Fund is managed by GEF Management Corporation, founded in 1990 with the objective of making investments in growing companies that make positive contributions to the global environment, human health, and the quality of life.
 
OPIC is the U.S. Government’s development finance institution. It mobilizes private capital to help solve critical development challenges and in doing so, advances U.S. foreign policy. Because OPIC works with the U.S. private sector, it helps U.S. businesses gain footholds in emerging markets catalyzing revenues, jobs and growth opportunities both at home and abroad. OPIC achieves its mission by providing investors with financing, guarantees, political risk insurance, and support for private equity investment funds.
 
Established as an agency of the U.S. Government in 1971, OPIC operates on a self-sustaining basis at no net cost to American taxpayers. OPIC services are available for new and expanding business enterprises in more than 150 countries worldwide. To date, OPIC has supported more than $200 billion of investment in over 4,000 projects, generated an estimated $75 billion in U.S. exports and supported more than 276,000 American jobs.

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Twice the energy density of a regular lithium-ion battery

Startup developing new battery technology wins $12,000 in first MIT ACCELERATE contest

Sloan Fellow Vishwas Dindore and his SolidEnergy teammates recently won the $10,000 Daniel M. Lewis Grand Prize along with a $2,000 Audience Choice Award at the MIT ACCELERATE contest held recently at MIT.

SolidEnergy, a start-up that's developing a battery technology to improve the safety and energy density of rechargeable batteries, walked away with the $12,000 after beating out 28 teams of semi-finalists during the inaugural MIT ACCELERATE contest, which was introduced this winter as part of the MIT $100K Entrepreneurship Competition — now in its 22nd year — as another channel to encourage entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into reality.

Participating teams submitted a demonstration, ranging from a hardware prototype to experimental data to a beta web service, to prove the concepts behind their business ideas. Judging was conducted by a panel of industry experts and venture capitalist judges.

"Huge markets, pioneering technology and a dynamic team ... what more do you need?" asked ACCELERATE Judge Chris Gabrieli, a partner at Bessemer Venture Capital, on the judges' selection of SolidEnergy.

SolidEnergy introduced a patented battery technology that has more than twice the energy density of a regular lithium-ion battery, and can safely operate from -40 degrees C to 250 degrees C. It is also the first rechargeable battery with the potential to be used in oil drilling. The battery technology also has potential applications for consumer electronics, electric vehicles, biomedical devices and the military.

Team members included Qichao Hu, a graduating PhD student at Harvard and co-inventor of the battery; Louis Beryl, a graduating student at Harvard Business School and Harvard Kennedy School; Mike Hagerty, a graduating master's student in the MIT Technology and Policy Program; and Dindore, an MIT Sloan Fellow with experience in the oil and gas industry. Their adviser is MIT Professor Donald R. Sadoway, who is also co-inventor of the battery technology.

"We were blown away by the level of competition and impressed by the other pitches," said Hagerty, who added that their win came from "combining a potentially groundbreaking technology with a realistic and exciting opportunity to move it to the market."
Source: Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Feed-in Tariffs (FIT) for Solar PV Systems

United Kingdom (UK): The reduced FIT for solar PV systems came into effect on 3rd March (2012).

The Government has announced that FITs for solar PV will be reduced again from August 1, 2012.


The Feed-in Tariffs (FITs) scheme was introduced on 1 April 2010, under powers in the Energy Act 2008. Through the use of FITs, DECC hopes to encourage deployment of additional small-scale (less than 5MW) low-carbon electricity generation, particularly by organisations, businesses, communities and individuals that have not traditionally engaged in the electricity market.
This will allow many people to invest in small-scale low-carbon electricity, in return for a guaranteed payment from an electricity supplier of their choice for the electricity they generate and use as well as a guaranteed payment for unused surplus electricity they export back to the grid.

Click Link for more detail:   

http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/meeting_energy/Renewable_ener/feedin_tariff/feedin_tariff.aspx


Source: Department of Energy & Climate Change 2012

Company Profile: TSMC Solar

TSMC Solar’s parent company is TSMC, the world’s first and largest semiconductor foundry.

Through its pioneering business model – ultramodern production of integrated circuits (ICs) as a service for our customers – TSMC has fundamentally changed the chip industry. TSMC, headquartered in Taiwan, produces over 8,000 products for the more than 450 customers it serves per year. This represents almost 8% of the global production volume for IC wafers.

TSMC began expanding in new areas of business in 2009 – with a focus on photovoltaics and LED lighting. In 2010, TSMC Solar founded regional headquarters in North America through TSMC Solar North America in San Jose, CA, USA and in Europe through TSMC Solar Europe GmbH in Hamburg, Germany.

An overview of how TSMC Solar was created:

May 2009 – New Business segment founded, launching our solar business
February 2010 – Acquired a 20% share of the capital of Motech Industries, the largest manufacturer of crystalline silicon solar cells in Taiwan
June 2010 – Acquired 21% share of Stion Corporation, a manufacturer of CIGS solar modules in the USA, including technology, licensing, supply and development agreements
September 2010 – TSMC Solar breaks ground on Solar Fab and R&D Center in Taichung, Taiwan
December 2010 – TSMC Solar North America and TSMC Solar Europe GmbH are founded as the headquarters to serve the North American and European solar-energy markets
January 2011 – TSMC enters into a manufacturing partnership with Centrosolar Group AG, one of the leading manufacturers of crystalline silicon solar modules in Germany
April 2011 – Completion of our CIGS thin-film module factory in Taichung, Taiwan
September 2011 – Completion of tool move-in at CIGS thin-film module factory

A brief history of TSMC’s success reinforces its commitment to the solar business:
  • 1987 – TSMC is founded by Philips Electronics and the Taiwanese government
  • 1994 – TSMC is listed on the stock market (NYSE: TSM, TSE:2330)
  • 2010 – $13.9 Billion revenue, market cap value of $56 Billion on the NYSE stock exchange (May 2011)
  • 2010 – Solar regional offices founded in San Jose, CA, USA and Hamburg, Germany
  • 2011 – $5.6 Billion capital reinvested into manufacturing capacity
  • 2011 – 33,000 employees, chip production in Taiwan, USA, Singapore (JV), China
For more detailed information about TSMC, see www.tsmc.com.