‘Energy storage technology key for futuristic transport’

Oil may not be a long-term solution considering the pollution and limited resources, says expert

A section of the delegates at the conference.

The automobile industry is presently witnessing dramatic changes and the energy storage technology, which is a key requirement for futuristic transport has the potential to provide clean and green energy solutions, said Prof. Werner Weppner, Faculty of Engineering, University of Kiel, Germany.

“We cannot continue burning oil in view of pollution and limited resources. The energy has to be regenerated from solar power,” he said at the first international conference on “Solid Electrolytes for Advanced Applications: Garnets and Competitors” organised by the Department of Physics, Pondicherry University, on Wednesday.

Though solar cells and wind turbines provided high efficiencies, the energy has to be stored both stationary and mobile. Storage of generated electrical energy directly in batteries without changing the form of energy is the most efficient way.

“Lithium ion batteries have already started a march of success. Though this technology is very important, it is only the first step. It will be necessary to improve this technology in view of safety, cost, energy density and lifetime,” he said.

Mr. Weppner pointed out that there was hardly any visible solution other than the use of stable solid electrolytes, where the garnets have the highest priority. All the components are readily available, inflammable, non-poisonous, environmentally benign and safe, and will provide long lifetimes of the batteries.

Mobility and storage

These improvements will not only become important for mobility but also for stationary energy storage. In future, every home will store the energy it generates itself, by solar cells on the roof, in small batteries in the basement, garage or directly on the roof.

“We will become independent of utility companies and power grids. The new solid electrolyte based batteries will therefore have an enormous economical effect and the cards of prosperity will be redistributed all over the world. This is an extraordinary situation especially for the uprising countries,” Mr. Weppner added.

Prof. Anisa Basheer Khan, Vice-Chancellor in-charge, Pondicherry University said that the Departments of Physics and Chemistry were carrying out outstanding research. She appreciated the significant work of Prof. Ramaswamy Murugan which has gained global attention.