Battery made out of sand? This is how it works
Imagine a battery that is not only powerful but also incredibly unique - a battery made out of sand. Yes, the same sand you find in deserts, can be transformed into a powerful battery! It may sound like something out of a science fiction movie, but it's actually a real breakthrough in energy storage technology. Let us explore more in this section.
What is a sand battery?
Sand batteries are unique high-temperature thermal energy storage systems that utilize sand or sand-like materials as their storage medium. Rather than storing electricity, these batteries store energy in the form of heat. Sand is exceptional at retaining heat for extended durations, allowing it to store power for months at a time. This makes sand an excellent medium for long-term energy storage.
Sand battery reduces fossil fuel dependency
Its purpose is to store excess power from wind and solar sources as heat in the sand. This high-capacity reservoir of stored heat can then be used to warm homes and provide industrial processes with hot steam, eliminating the need for fossil fuels. By harnessing this clean energy surplus, the sand battery paves the way for a greener future, promising sustainability.
Finland has unveiled the world's first functional sand battery
In a groundbreaking feat, Finnish researchers have introduced the world's first fully operational sand battery developed by Polar Night Energy. This extraordinary battery has the ability to store green power for extended periods, enabling solar and wind energy to meet up to 100% of heating and electricity requirements. At the core of this innovative solution is their patented high-temperature, large-scale heat storage technology.
How does it work?
Renewable energy is used to operate a heater that warms the air inside the sand. A fan helps circulate this hot air around the sand through special pipes that transfer the heat. The sand is well-insulated, which keeps the temperature inside the battery at 600°C. The stored heat remains secured within the core of the battery, minimizing any loss over extended periods.
It is capable of supplying a substantial power output
When fully charged, the battery can store 8 MWh of thermal energy. During periods of high energy demand, it releases approximately 200 kW of power through the heat-exchange pipes. This amount of power is sufficient to provide heating and hot water for around 100 homes, as well as a public swimming pool in Kankaanpää, the town in Finland where they have installed the battery.
What is the cost of charging the battery?
The Polar Night Energy team argues that sand batteries are far more cost-effective than lithium batteries. They have calculated that their battery is around eight to 10 times less expensive. Producing 8 MWh of energy using the Kankaanpää sand battery costs about $200,000 (Rs. 1.65 crore). Whereas a lithium-ion battery with an 8 MWh capacity would cost at least $1,600,000 (Rs. 13.23 crore).
It promises to address Europe's energy crisis
With Russia shutting off its pipelines, which provide 40% of the EU's natural gas, finding alternative energy supplies is crucial. In this situation, Finland's new sand batteries offer a promising solution. These innovative batteries can help bridge the gap and ensure a reliable energy source. It is being hailed as a step in the right direction toward securing sustainable energy supplies for the future.
