The freeze-thaw phenomenon is possible because the battery's electrolyte is molten salt -- a molecular cousin of ordinary table salt. The material is liquid at higher temperatures but solid at room temperature.
The study, titled ‘A freeze-thaw molten salt battery for seasonal storage’, explained how wind and solar power could be captured and stored for up to 12 weeks with minimal loss to storage capacity.
Scientists have created a battery designed for the electric grid that locks in energy for months without losing much storage capacity. It's a step toward batteries that can be used for seasonal storage: saving renewable energy in one season, such as the spring, and spending it in another, like autumn.
In a recent study, a freeze-thaw battery or a rechargeable thermally activated battery was proposed and demonstrated for its possible application as a seasonal energy storage technology.
Breakthrough marks major step towards ‘seasonal battery solution’ Scientists have created a new type of molten “freeze-thaw” battery that can hold energy for several months without losing charge.
Beyond this, the freeze-thaw battery has no components susceptible to thermal shock, indicating that rapid cooling can be applied to minimize self-discharge. Finally, improved electrode design to maximize active surface area and unlock full capacity is another crucial research challenge going forward. Figure 2.