Examination of Non-Lithium Battery Storage Concepts
Title
Examination of Non-Lithium Battery Storage Concepts
Published Date
2021-06
Publisher
University of Minnesota Duluth
Type
Technical Report
Abstract
This study was undertaken to inform State of Minnesota Energy Policy and is funded by the
Legislative-Citizens Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR). It is focused on identifying
alternative energy storage opportunities for the state. Various battery storage techniques for
renewable energy are under active development by various parties, and many of these
technologies are geared for energy storage for 2- to 4-hour duration. Other non-battery
technologies are also under active development. These do not involve electrochemical storage
concepts. This report summarizes non-lithium ion battery approaches that take advantage of
physical principles involving gravity, compressing air and/or carbon dioxide, using hot carbon
dioxide or molten salts or flywheel systems to capture energy that can be converted into
electricity when renewable energy sources are unable to provide what is required. The use of
these concepts can lead to long-duration storage that can facilitate better capture of available
renewable energy and potentially eliminate the need for natural gas-based peaking plants to
provide a more stable electrical supply when intermittent (e.g., solar or wind) resources cannot
supply the necessary electricity. Additionally, the future impact of hydrogen as a means for
long-duration energy storage is considered, especially using ammonia as a storage media. It is
also apparent that redox flow batteries may also be useful in supporting storage needs beyond
2- to 4-hour duration. The techniques noted do not require nickel, cobalt, or lithium resources,
have improved environmental characteristics, and in most cases reduced fire hazards compared
to lithium ion-based battery systems. Finally, geographic information system (GIS) analysis is
applied to better understand where the technologies can be potentially adopted at specific
locations in the state of Minnesota. Some technologies need very specific geologic features for
ready site selection; others can be placed if suitable near-grid locations are available.
Description
In November 2021 the original file attached to this record (NRRI-RI-2021-12.pdf) was replaced with an updated version (also named NRRI-RI-2021-12.pdf). The original file contained Appendices within it, which have now been uploaded as separate files (NRRI-RI-2021-12 Appendix1.pdf, NRRI-RI-2021-12_Appendix2.zip, and NRRI-RI-2021-12 Appendix3.pdf). A few minor content changes were made to the report file as well; a couple sentences were modified to reflect changes in the dataset and the Appendix 2 description was changed.
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Funding for this project was provided by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR).
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