Researchers say they have taken a central measure forwards in making a molecule that can store solar push .
Publishing their latest findings in the journalEnergy and Environmental Science , the squad from Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden first showed off their solar - storing molecule last twelvemonth .
Made from C , atomic number 1 , and nitrogen , the atom is transformed into an “ Energy Department - racy isomer ” , one made of the same atoms but bound in a unlike way , when it is gain by sunlight . The isomer can then be put in as a liquid , with the energy being used afterwards . Much later .
" The energy in this isomer can now be stored for up to 18 years , ” Kasper Moth - Poulsen , the team ’s leader , said in astatement . “ And when we come to extract the vim and use it , we get a warmth addition which is greater than we dared hope for . "
The full system is calledMolecular Solar Thermal Energy Storage(MOST ) . Sunlight is bewitch by the liquidness , via a solar thermic aggregator on the roof of a building . This is essentially a concave reflector with a organ pipe in the heart , which tracks the Sun ’s track like a planet dish .
The collector focalise the Sun ’s rays to a period through the pipework onto the liquid . The liquid is then stored at room temperature to economize the energy , and when energy is demand a accelerator is used to heat up the liquid .
In their latest composition , the team said they had further arise the catalyst that makes this potential , which can control the release of the vim . It creates a reaction to warm the liquid by 63 ° C ( 113 ° F ) , while also allow the molecule to be used again .
They have also been able to stop using a potentially dangerous chemical called toluene , which is flammable , as part of the liquid for the system . And they also say the whole affair is emissions - free too , and can work all yr around .
While they ’ve proven the system is viable , the team now require to get it all ferment together smoothly . They want to get the temperature increase up to at least 110 ° C ( 198 ° F ) also , with a view to make the technology commercial message in 10 years .
" There is a lot left to do , ” said Moth - Poulsen . “ We have just got the system to make for . Now we need to insure everything is optimally design . "
