Intel lab explores nanoscale power storage

[OKIsItJustMe]

http://www.eetimes.com/news/semi/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=222900779

Intel lab explores nanoscale power storage

Researchers push boundaries of distributed microgrids

Rick Merritt
EE Times
(02/17/2010 7:24 PM EST)

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Intel researchers are exploring nanoscale materials that could be used to create ultracapacitors with a greater energy density than today's lithium ion batteries. If successful, the new materials could be mass produced in volumes to power systems ranging from mobile devices to electric vehicles—even smart grid storage units.

The project is one of a handful in the works at a seven-person energy systems research lab formed by Intel Corp. in May. The lab is focused on so-called http://galvinpower.org/microgrids">microgrids, small local electric grids that lab director Tomm Aldridge and others believe could represent the future of the smart electric grid.

"It's way too early to announce any results, but we are taking what we think is a fresh look at building ultracapacitors using our expertise in nanomaterials fabrication and high volume manufacturing," said Aldridge. "The research targets are to exceed energy storage of battery technology in terms of energy density and figure out how to assemble these nano-capacitors into ultracapacitors that have useful voltage ranges," he added.

The energy-storage effort is exploring use of engineered dielectric coatings to create the capacitors that could be scaled to large arrays. MIT, Stanford and other universities are also exploring nanoscale ultracapacitors as a medium as an alternative with longer life time and more resilience to harsh conditions than traditional batteries.

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[kristopher]

1. This is a good article.

Whether or not the specific technology pans out, it shows well the direction we are inevitably headed.