Latest news with #PRXEnergy
Yahoo
19-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Scientists make revolutionary breakthrough that could transform energy storage: 'Truly a game-changer'
Tech Xplore recently shared how a group of scientists used AI to crack part of the code for cheaper, safer energy storage. Plus, they did it with a water-based battery that could one day cut pollution and lower energy bills. "AI is an important tool that can facilitate the advancement of science," Esther Takeuchi, chair of the Interdisciplinary Science Department at Brookhaven Lab and William and Jane Knapp Chair in Energy and the Environment at Stony Brook University, told Tech Xplore. "The research done by this team provides an example of the insights that can be gained by combining experiment and theory enhanced by the use of AI." In their study, published in PRX Energy, researchers were trying to understand why zinc-ion batteries run better when filled with a super-salty solution. To find out, they trained an AI model to simulate what happens inside the battery at an atomic level—something a standard computer would've needed years to do. "This work demonstrates the great impact artificial intelligence and machine learning can have for understanding the chemistry of materials and provides guidelines for optimizing battery electrolytes," lead researcher Deyu Lu told Tech Xplore. Turns out, the salt (zinc chloride) keeps water molecules from splitting apart into hydrogen gas, a common problem that usually wrecks performance. In this setup, the water molecules stop clinging to each other. That stabilizes the battery and keeps it running as intended. The high salt concentration also helps zinc ions move more easily between battery parts. That cuts down on energy waste and delays. Zinc-ion batteries are cheaper and less toxic to make than lithium ones. They're nonflammable, run on widely available materials, and could be a better option for storing energy from solar panels or other affordable sources, especially during outages or times of high demand. Solar installation companies such as EnergySage may soon offer such products. While this tech won't replace lithium overnight, it could soon show up in grid storage and emergency systems. This means there will be less need for pollutant sources like gas and coal, and cleaner air for the people breathing it. AI helped speed things up, but it's not all upside. Models like this require a ton of computing power. Some of them burn through electricity and water faster than you'd think. Training just one large model can produce as much pollution as five gas-powered cars do over their lifetimes. Still, used carefully, tools like this could help solve real problems. If zinc batteries become easier to make and store, clean energy becomes easier to use. That's a win worth paying attention to. "AI/ML is truly a game-changer in the study of complex materials," Lu told Tech Xplore. Should the U.S. invest more in battery innovations? Absolutely Depends on the project We're investing enough We should invest less Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Scientists stunned after uncovering major flaw in futuristic energy tech: 'This effect is far from negligible'
Hydrogen fuel cells are often called the clean energy solution of tomorrow — powering everything from cars to homes with just hydrogen and oxygen while leaving behind only water. But a new study has revealed a surprising flaw that could be slowing down that future: a hidden energy leak that kicks in when things heat up. Researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) took a closer look at a popular fuel cell material called barium zirconate. It's commonly used in high-temperature fuel cells, which convert hydrogen into electricity with little to no pollution. These types of fuel cells are exciting because they can outperform traditional gas-powered engines — but only if they run efficiently. Here's the catch: The scientists found that when the fuel cells heat up past 600 Kelvin (about 620 degrees Fahrenheit), they start leaking energy. And not just a little. Their simulations showed that high temperatures cause tiny vibrations inside the material's atomic structure — and those vibrations push electrons out of place. When electrons wander off, they leave behind "holes," which act like little energy drains inside the system. In fact, when the team accounted for these temperature effects, it found four times as many of these energy-wasting holes compared to what traditional models predicted. "Traditionally, models don't fully account for temperature-induced vibrations," said Shenli Zhang, LLNL physicist and first author of the study. "But our calculations show that this effect is far from negligible." This breakthrough, published in the PRX Energy journal, helps explain why fuel cells don't always live up to their full potential. But more importantly, it offers a roadmap for how to fix it. The researchers created a new simulation protocol that lets them calculate exactly how much energy is lost at different temperatures — and which materials might hold up better. That could be a game-changer as we race to build cleaner, more affordable energy systems. Hydrogen fuel cells have the potential to replace dirtier technologies in transportation, power generation, and even home energy systems. But every bit of lost energy means more cost, more fuel used, and less efficiency overall. Plugging these leaks could lead to better-performing fuel cells that save money and reduce pollution at the same time. And the best part? This isn't a far-off fantasy. The team created a new method to predict how heat causes energy loss in fuel cell materials like barium zirconate. This approach can now be used to test and improve other materials too, helping scientists design better fuel cells that work efficiently at high temperatures. "These insights help us quantify just how much electrical leakage is tied to temperature, and they give us a better handle on designing materials or operating conditions to minimize those losses," said co-author Joel Varley, LLNL scientist and project lead. Should the government continue to give tax incentives for energy-efficient home upgrades? Absolutely No Depends on the upgrade I don't know Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. It's a key step toward making hydrogen power more reliable and ready for real-world use. And while scientists are working on the tech behind the scenes, there are things that can be done on the individual level to take advantage of clean energy at home. Installing rooftop solar panels — or joining a local community solar program — can slash your monthly electricity bill and help transition your home to cleaner power. Services like EnergySage make it easy to compare quotes from trusted local installers and save up to $10,000 on installation. Cleaner, smarter energy is getting closer every day — and discoveries like this are certainly helping speed things up. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
