Solar power is incredible and has the ability to provide power for countless devices, vehicles, homes, and businesses in an environmentally-friendly way. The downside, particularly if you live in a place where gray days are common, solar can sometimes fail. Thankfully, this Australian company has created a solution: The world’s first home hydrogen battery. (1)
These batteries have the potential to improve how we collect, store, and use green energy.
Australian Company Creates World’s First Home Hydrogen Battery
In conjunction with the University of New South Wales, Australian company LAVO has created the first-ever line of hydrogen battery-powered products for the home. The most impressive of these is a unit that creates and stores hydrogen power. This hydrogen battery can store enough energy to power a home for three days – three times that of any other commercially available battery. (1)
Used With Solar Power
The idea behind the hydrogen power unit is for homeowners to use it alongside solar power. On sunny days, the solar panels will collect energy from the sun to power the home. All excess energy is then stored by the batteries, which the home then relies on during dark or rainy days. (1)
The LAVO hydrogen battery is about the size of a refrigerator. Hooked up to already-in-place solar panels, the electrolyzers inside the battery use that power to convert separate water molecules (H2O) into independent hydrogen (H) and oxygen (O2). (2)
The oxygen is released through vents, and the hydrogen is stored in what’s called a hydride. These hydrides are inside canisters that are stored in each unit. When the sun goes away, the home’s energy system calls upon the energy stored up in these batteries. (2)
Another benefit to these is that, unlike lithium-ion batteries, hydrogen batteries are constantly recharging themselves. They don’t have to wait until they are empty of power before topping themselves back up. (1)
Hydrogen Batteries: Long Lifespan But Big Price Tag
The hydrogen battery system has a lifespan of about 30 years. This is three times longer than lithium-ion battery systems. The hydrogen can then be melted down and reused, providing another environmental advantage over other systems. (1)
Another concern with hydrogen is fire safety. The researchers thought about this, which is why the hydrogen is stored in solid form rather than in liquid or under pressure. LAZO designed it so that users can remove the battery units to power other household items, such as barbecues. (1)
Unfortunately, it does come at a cost: $34,000 AUD ($26-$27,000 USD), to be exact. (3)
Some Have Already Bought In
Despite the steep price tag, some businesses and homes are already on-board with the new hydrogen battery system. Current customers include (1):
- An eco-lodge
- Gowings Bros investment company
The researchers say that the future of these batteries is one that creates jobs, protects the planet, and may even be able to contribute to global trade. (1) With more investment and development, hydrogen battery power could reshape how we create green energy.
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Sources
- “World’s first domestic hydrogen battery developed by Australian firm.” SMH. Nick O’Malley. January 21, 2021
- Lavo
- Lavo