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kristopher

(29,798 posts)
17. That view is out of date...
Wed Jan 15, 2014, 06:37 PM
Jan 2014
Batteries are big, expensive, and inefficient. Then, when they're worn out, you have a toxic mess to recycle and a lot of chemicals to dispose of. Bad.


Lithium isn't big, I can buy it now for about $150/kWh, large scale buyers are down to about $100/kWh, they are not a "toxic mess" to recycle or otherwise and the are not bad. They also demonstrate extremely high levels of round trip efficiency - especially in comparison to photosynthesis.

Storage and transport of H2 is Extremely difficult.

Over production for storage is a given, but the technologies that are out there are pulling us away from hydrogen.
What's new about that? We did this in high school back in the 60s. hobbit709 Jan 2014 #1
You used solar? RobertEarl Jan 2014 #5
This isn't new. jeff47 Jan 2014 #9
Yes, but the article says they use sunlight directly to split the water molecules DLnyc Jan 2014 #11
Nope, this is just a different way to do electrolysis. jeff47 Jan 2014 #13
Electricity does the work hobbit709 Jan 2014 #10
Oh, how lovely to think we could someday not be tied to The Grid. djean111 Jan 2014 #2
Walk out to your main circuit breaker and turn it off. hunter Jan 2014 #19
Yes, I know I can turn off my electricity. djean111 Jan 2014 #20
Then do it. hunter Jan 2014 #22
Your post brought to mind a truth about our economic system that few consider these days. AdHocSolver Jan 2014 #24
Our biggest export is agricultural products AND fasttense Jan 2014 #25
Duh. silverweb Jan 2014 #3
Well, duh. A pilot program for closed systems Warpy Jan 2014 #4
Again, using sunlight to split water is not the same as using electrolysis. DLnyc Jan 2014 #16
Kind of an obvious solution about which has been known for years. longship Jan 2014 #6
It will be utilized when, and only when, the PTB are ready or able to make a profit. libdem4life Jan 2014 #7
Bingo! If they can use it to SUCK the money out of the American people, loudsue Jan 2014 #15
Absolutely correct. JDPriestly Jan 2014 #18
Researchers discovered batteries???? yellowcanine Jan 2014 #8
No. Igel Jan 2014 #12
That view is out of date... kristopher Jan 2014 #17
Pumped hydro is about as efficient as you get. Photosynthesis is not. hunter Jan 2014 #21
It's legitimate basic research, but not a breakthrough kristopher Jan 2014 #14
the same method should be used in existing power plants rickford66 Jan 2014 #23
k and r, no text.. Stuart G Jan 2014 #26
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