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Battery innovation wins award

Battery innovation wins award -- An innovative design developed by a researcher at Worcester Polytechnic Institute for flow batteries—rechargeable energy systems that can be used to store electric energy produced by wind and solar power installations—has received a 2012 Catalyst Award from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center. The one-year, $40,000 award will support continued work on the new technology, which promises significantly higher energy and power density and longer cycle life than conventional flow batteries at a significantly lower cost.

In flow batteries, an electrolyte solution flows through an electrochemical cell that converts chemical energy to electricity. The flow can be reversed to store electric energy from the power grid as chemical energy. The innovation developed by Yan Wang, assistant professor

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Submitted Jun 28, 2012 By: dave27johnson

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CPGas1815 Champion Author Michigan Posts:6,027 Points:1,099,605 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Jun 29, 2012 2:52:22 AM Ignore CPGas1815 Report Abuse It seems battery power seems to be rage these days. But I just have to say what I experienced yesterday. I was out and about on a day that set a record high temperature for a June 28th. I had several errands to do. As I drove home I was alerted by another driver that my brakes were on fire. Sure enough the calipers seized up. The old Dodge van is now at the shop. Repairs should be done sometime today or early tomorrow. I so wish I could afford to buy even a reasonably priced used vehicle. Its rough to be poor. A bicycle isn't even a solution due to major back problems.
dave27johnson Champion Author Chicago Posts:1,787 Points:407,575 Joined:Feb 2012	Message Posted: Jun 28, 2012 4:43:59 PM Ignore dave27johnson Report Abuse Batteries are constantly improving.
evowner Champion Author Salem Posts:2,177 Points:358,285 Joined:May 2012	Message Posted: Jun 28, 2012 9:46:40 AM Ignore evowner Report Abuse A professor gets an award of $40,000 for maybe creating a new essential electric storage devise. I wonder how much an oil lobbyist would charge to get the funds denied?
CivicMA Champion Author Boston Posts:1,888 Points:534,115 Joined:Jun 2011	Message Posted: Jun 28, 2012 9:31:08 AM Ignore CivicMA Report Abuse Now, if we install solar panels and a wind turbine on the roof of the EVs, they can self-charge as they drive! :-)
NorthglennBill Champion Author Denver Posts:7,420 Points:1,471,905 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Jun 28, 2012 9:14:47 AM Ignore NorthglennBill Report Abuse Sounds like rechargable batteries. Don't I already have one of those in my cell phone?
Galmar352 Champion Author San Antonio Posts:10,158 Points:1,882,625 Joined:Dec 2005	Message Posted: Jun 28, 2012 9:05:58 AM Ignore Galmar352 Report Abuse Oooooh (SO WHAT)!! Don't get me wrong. Nice award! But this don't mean anything til it is put into play!!
smoketown Champion Author Cincinnati Posts:6,231 Points:1,381,875 Joined:Feb 2008	Message Posted: Jun 28, 2012 8:56:26 AM Ignore smoketown Report Abuse You rock " YAN WANG "...........
ramshot412 Champion Author Riverside Posts:20,147 Points:2,465,490 Joined:Apr 2004	Message Posted: Jun 28, 2012 8:53:11 AM Ignore ramshot412 Report Abuse Good work.
Cheepo Champion Author Tampa Posts:9,889 Points:3,128,005 Joined:Apr 2003	Message Posted: Jun 28, 2012 8:51:03 AM Ignore Cheepo Report Abuse The award should go to the one that will recycle spent fuel rods!!!!!!!!
AriesMMD Champion Author Sacramento Posts:1,486 Points:411,240 Joined:Dec 2011	Message Posted: Jun 28, 2012 8:43:07 AM Ignore AriesMMD Report Abuse I hope this works out.
msgt_usa Champion Author Virginia Posts:3,463 Points:931,880 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: Jun 28, 2012 8:37:45 AM Ignore msgt_usa Report Abuse Wonder if this will go the same way as the Wang computer, lol.
ciimike Champion Author Nevada Posts:4,638 Points:1,062,060 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Jun 28, 2012 8:36:47 AM Ignore ciimike Report Abuse Creativity at its best. Technology comes from innovation and open thinking.
ScottTee Champion Author Detroit Posts:4,386 Points:1,062,620 Joined:Mar 2010	Message Posted: Jun 28, 2012 8:35:30 AM Ignore ScottTee Report Abuse where did the $40,000 award come from?
condé Champion Author Michigan Posts:3,736 Points:1,812,690 Joined:Oct 2004	Message Posted: Jun 28, 2012 8:34:50 AM Ignore condé Report Abuse Someone invented a battery....WOW!!!
NanookAK Champion Author Anchorage Posts:7,247 Points:1,440,040 Joined:Nov 2007	Message Posted: Jun 28, 2012 8:33:15 AM Ignore NanookAK Report Abuse Did Obama subsidize this? If so, watch out.
cmsense Champion Author Columbus Posts:1,358 Points:165,345 Joined:Jan 2012	Message Posted: Jun 28, 2012 8:33:10 AM Ignore cmsense Report Abuse Could be a MAJOR game changer for solar/wind energy storage for non-windy,non-sunny days.
checkum Champion Author St. Louis Posts:7,591 Points:1,474,040 Joined:Jan 2008	Message Posted: Jun 28, 2012 8:31:11 AM Ignore checkum Report Abuse swell, if you ever want an EV
WillyG Champion Author Cincinnati Posts:3,548 Points:905,115 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Jun 28, 2012 8:30:56 AM Ignore WillyG Report Abuse More bad news for the oil industry. Good !
Signfool Champion Author Omaha Posts:5,974 Points:1,465,205 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: Jun 28, 2012 8:30:52 AM Ignore Signfool Report Abuse When they can develop a battery that can last more than 2 days, then I'll take a look.
CheckitoutGuy Champion Author San Diego Posts:1,311 Points:769,590 Joined:Mar 2008	Message Posted: Jun 28, 2012 8:30:48 AM Ignore CheckitoutGuy Report Abuse Better batteries have to come along to support all the computer driven new vehicle technology.
cmsense Champion Author Columbus Posts:1,358 Points:165,345 Joined:Jan 2012	Message Posted: Jun 28, 2012 8:30:05 AM Ignore cmsense Report Abuse Possible applications to EV's??
briinnc Champion Author North Carolina Posts:2,705 Points:834,820 Joined:Jan 2010	Message Posted: Jun 28, 2012 8:28:52 AM Ignore briinnc Report Abuse OK
sivart Champion Author Arkansas Posts:18,219 Points:3,069,985 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Jun 28, 2012 8:28:10 AM Ignore sivart Report Abuse k
AuburnTim Champion Author Indiana Posts:6,828 Points:1,559,190 Joined:May 2005	Message Posted: Jun 28, 2012 8:27:10 AM Ignore AuburnTim Report Abuse k
crep1291 Champion Author Ottawa Posts:2,578 Points:480,900 Joined:Dec 2010	Message Posted: Jun 28, 2012 8:25:09 AM Ignore crep1291 Report Abuse "Will they lower gas prices?" That's unlikely. Gas prices are driven by offer and demand. This will make renewable energy more usable and will lower cost of electricity.
Don20 Champion Author Oklahoma City Posts:9,667 Points:2,618,655 Joined:Mar 2005	Message Posted: Jun 28, 2012 8:23:23 AM Ignore Don20 Report Abuse In a further innovation, the metal particles in Wang's suspensions also serve as the battery's anode and cathode (positive and negative terminals). This simplifies the battery's design, significantly lowering its manufacturing costs and extending its useful life. "Often," Wang said, "up to 50 percent of a battery's volume is packaging and other components. In our design, the metal particles take the place of those components, so the battery can be more compact." Keep the Research and Development going, and the first thing you know we will something that is useful for these electric vehicles..
garytave Sophomore Author Florida Posts:117 Points:394,165 Joined:Aug 2011	Message Posted: Jun 28, 2012 8:22:36 AM Ignore garytave Report Abuse great stuff!
syreda Sophomore Author Phoenix Posts:244 Points:60,610 Joined:Jan 2012	Message Posted: Jun 28, 2012 8:21:55 AM Ignore syreda Report Abuse nice..
amayne11 Champion Author Vancouver Posts:1,751 Points:499,000 Joined:Nov 2011	Message Posted: Jun 28, 2012 8:20:26 AM Ignore amayne11 Report Abuse It takes far too long to charge a battery.
hwmillerster Champion Author Missouri Posts:6,784 Points:1,464,370 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Jun 28, 2012 8:19:55 AM Ignore hwmillerster Report Abuse This isn't for electric cars, it's meant for stationary wind and solar farms.
PathTrack Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:1,202 Points:134,615 Joined:Jan 2005	Message Posted: Jun 28, 2012 8:19:50 AM Ignore PathTrack Report Abuse Are batteries really clean energy?
Gropitou Veteran Author Montreal Posts:402 Points:1,753,740 Joined:May 2007	Message Posted: Jun 28, 2012 8:18:45 AM Ignore Gropitou Report Abuse How much will it weight and cost?
HATinMUNDY Champion Author Michigan Posts:1,677 Points:763,670 Joined:Mar 2008	Message Posted: Jun 28, 2012 8:17:41 AM Ignore HATinMUNDY Report Abuse But will it work?
Tucker1961 Champion Author Seattle Posts:2,157 Points:363,170 Joined:Jun 2009	Message Posted: Jun 28, 2012 8:15:59 AM Ignore Tucker1961 Report Abuse Why? just burn coal to create energy
bjdorval Champion Author Quebec Posts:2,254 Points:1,133,955 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Jun 28, 2012 8:15:47 AM Ignore bjdorval Report Abuse I love the professor's name Yan Wang. It's as American as apple pie.
IMLURCH Champion Author Minnesota Posts:2,179 Points:1,102,205 Joined:Mar 2009	Message Posted: Jun 28, 2012 8:14:37 AM Ignore IMLURCH Report Abuse Sounds good but will it work in everyday use??????
olebufnav Champion Author Omaha Posts:3,971 Points:1,022,255 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Jun 28, 2012 8:14:26 AM Ignore olebufnav Report Abuse See if it works in real cars....
DimitrisIL Champion Author Chicago Posts:1,500 Points:522,705 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: Jun 28, 2012 8:11:52 AM Ignore DimitrisIL Report Abuse Fantastic. I was sure battery improvement is close.
pricechecker08 Champion Author Ohio Posts:7,871 Points:1,699,725 Joined:Jan 2008	Message Posted: Jun 28, 2012 8:11:29 AM Ignore pricechecker08 Report Abuse Looks good on paper.
lightbulbman2008 Champion Author Worcester Posts:414,500 Points:1,586,660 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Jun 28, 2012 8:10:57 AM Ignore lightbulbman2008 Report Abuse great...
orphancarguyPE Champion Author PEI Posts:3,843 Points:734,015 Joined:Jan 2011	Message Posted: Jun 28, 2012 8:10:44 AM Ignore orphancarguyPE Report Abuse For all the naysayers about the future of renewable energy, especially from wind and solar PV/solar thermal turbines, or even about the viability of electric cars, this rather says it all: "Right now, the ability to store and retrieve energy is the Achilles heel in the world of renewable energy," said Apelian. "By helping to address this challenge, Yan Wang's work will be critical to our nation's wellbeing." Storage of these intermittent energy sources has always been the weakest link, preventing wider adoption, just because the wind and the sun aren't always there. Similarly, electric vehicles are vastly cheaper to run (a 5 to 1 advantage in most cases, even before fuel car service expenses) and are many times more efficient than any fueled vehicle, but just the problem of usable daily range and charge time to improve. Quick charge improvement are coming on stream, slashing charging time from 10 hours down to much less than an hour in some cases, with wireless induction charging of improved batteries as an example. Park your car, pay a dollar for about 12 kilowatts of electricity, go shopping and come back later with the batteries recharged, and you are good for another 35 miles. Does your current gasoline car get well over 100 mpg at $3.xx per gallon? Electric cars ARE that cheap to run. Its only the batteries that are so expensive. If you can make better batteries that can hold more charge, or be charged quicker, then you don't need as many expensive batteries to get the same range.
WeasleyOC Champion Author Orange County Posts:3,144 Points:801,350 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Jun 28, 2012 8:10:42 AM Ignore WeasleyOC Report Abuse Hope it can be applied too commercial applications too.
Ken2OD Champion Author Grand Rapids Posts:9,067 Points:1,970,965 Joined:Dec 2005	Message Posted: Jun 28, 2012 8:10:32 AM Ignore Ken2OD Report Abuse Wow! That amount of money is not even worth the cost of one new job.
humblepie Champion Author Toledo Posts:34,182 Points:2,370,395 Joined:Mar 2006	Message Posted: Jun 28, 2012 8:09:30 AM Ignore humblepie Report Abuse china will sell these for about half the price and better quality too probably
ntass1 Champion Author Edmonton Posts:3,790 Points:727,050 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: Jun 28, 2012 8:09:21 AM Ignore ntass1 Report Abuse long term remedy
miser709 Champion Author Grand Rapids Posts:1,268 Points:1,069,050 Joined:Mar 2004	Message Posted: Jun 28, 2012 8:07:59 AM Ignore miser709 Report Abuse Electric cars are not the answer. It will just make electric unaffordable.
RobertSpratt Champion Author Virginia Beach Posts:4,830 Points:1,044,790 Joined:Jul 2007	Message Posted: Jun 28, 2012 8:05:30 AM Ignore RobertSpratt Report Abuse $40,000. That won't last long. Take money from the bird droppings study for this. Something worthwhile. [Edited by: RobertSpratt at 6/28/2012 11:06:30 AM EST]
Edamon Champion Author Montreal Posts:1,097 Points:632,270 Joined:May 2010	Message Posted: Jun 28, 2012 8:04:32 AM Ignore Edamon Report Abuse Keep R&D
Chrys778 Rookie Author Michigan Posts:57 Points:17,525 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: Jun 28, 2012 8:03:14 AM Ignore Chrys778 Report Abuse I wish they would make up their mind
snakebitef22 Veteran Author Corpus Christi Posts:447 Points:31,520 Joined:Mar 2009	Message Posted: Jun 28, 2012 8:02:39 AM Ignore snakebitef22 Report Abuse Electric cars are here to stay now...