Safe, Scalable and Low-cost Energy Storage System
Overview
Our Energy Storage System stores energy in water-based electrolyte, which is inherently safe, low cost, long-life, highly scalable, and eco-friendly. The system can store renewable energy and grid electricity to ensure efficient energy usage.
Commercialisation opportunities
Technology start-up from the university
Problem addressed
Li-ion batteries are the most popular battery technology. However, it suffers from increasing cost, environmental impacts and fire risks, which hinder its development toward large-scale energy storage applications. Safe and low-cost energy storage system for grid scale is essential for sustainable development.
Innovation
- Flow battery electrolyte with high energy density and low cost.
- Advanced membrane improves battery lifetime to 15 years.
Key impact
- Inherently Safe -- Liquid electrolyte is mainly made of water, which is non-toxic and has no fire concern.
- Highly Scalable -- Energy capacity can be increased simply by enlarging electrolyte tank's volume.
- Long life cycle -- The battery system is expected to operate for more than 15 years.
Award
- Winner of Falling Walls Science Breakthroughs of the Year Award, Falling Walls Foundation, 2020
- Xplorer Prize, Tencent Foundation, 2021
- TERA Award Smart Energy Innovation Competition, Towngas and State Power Investment Company Limited, 2022
Application
- Large scale energy storage system for renewable powers
- Electric vehicle solar charger
- Uninterruptible power supply for data centre and base station
The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)
Founded in 1963, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) is a forward-looking comprehensive research university with a global vision and a mission to combine tradition with modernity, and to bring together China and the West. CUHK teachers and students hail from all around the world. Four Nobel laureates are associated with the university, and it is the only tertiary institution in Hong Kong with recipients of the Nobel Prize, Turing Award, Fields Medal and Veblen Prize sitting as faculty in residence. CUHK graduates are connected worldwide through an extensive alumni network. CUHK undertakes a wide range of research programmes in many subject areas, and strives to provide scope for all academic staff to undertake consultancy and collaborative projects with industry.
Enquiry
