Australian Battery Breakthrough

by | May 29, 2020 | Articles, Batteries & Battery Charging, CME, RV Solar, SRW

by Collyn Rivers

Australian Battery Breakthrough – read about it here first!

Battery storage has long been the major cost of energy systems. Most new systems are lithium-ion. They cost about $1 per watt/hour. This may be slashed by an Australian battery breakthrough. Called Gelion, the battery uses zinc-bromide. It is claimed cheaper and safer than lithium batteries.

The battery was developed by Professor Thomas Maschmeyer and his team at Sydney University. It is backed by Australian investors. Britain’s Armstrong Energy is also a backer.

Gelion relies partially on a breakthrough in nanostructured gels. It challenges existing technologies in safety, durability and price.

 

Battery breakthrough by Gelion
Fully discharging most batteries damages or wrecks them. Gelion’s zinc-bromide chemistry, however, renders 100% battery usable. The battery is claimed to be inexpensive, robust and safe. It is fully recyclable. It can also be any required capacity.

The Gelion Australian battery breakthrough uses Redox (reduction-oxidation). This is a chemical reaction whereby oxidation states of atoms change. One chemical loses electrons. Another (the oxidising agent) gains electrons. 

The Gelion battery can use various combinations of electrolyte. They may be all-liquid to liquid/gelated. There is also an innovative all-gel electrolyte. It’s claimed mechanical strength is that of a solid. Its ionic conduction is closer to a liquid. This, claims Gelion, enables safe, durable batteries. Furthermore, it enables them to be. They have high electrical performance. And a variety of applications.

Australian Battery Breakthrough – affordable components

Gelion’s Australian battery breakthrough’s materials, zinc and bromine, are inexpensive. Both are globally well-distributed. This is beneficial because lithium and cobalt used in other batteries are costly and scarce.

The battery’s flexible gels prevent mechanical stress failure. This may otherwise happen during charging and discharging. And also physical mishandling. The gel is non-flammable. It is claimed as fire-retardant. Its toxic materials are chemically bound. This prevents accidental release.

The electrode surfaces can be rejuvenated via existing systems. This is useful for stationary energy storage. And, moreover, in remote sites.

Gelion’s commercial production

Gelion is an exciting development. The company has London-based counterparts. It is well advanced in planning commercialisation. Likewise supply-chain strategies. These range from prototypes to production capacity. Both are happening now (2020).

Gelion’s battery cells have flexible configurations. These include street lighting, domestic and commercial buildings. Furthermore, they are suitable for grid support. Moreover, they can be used in grid-connect systems. Gelion is truly an Australian battery breakthrough.

Collyn Rivers is a semi-retired automobile research engineer.  He is the author of seven books, five of which are about making RVs and solar work optimally.

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The Caravan & Motorhome Book

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ISBN: 978-0-6483190-5-4.

Caravan and Motorhome Electrics

The essential handbook for anyone with an RV of any kind.  Everything you need to know to make the electrics in your rig work for you.

Cover of Caravan and Motorhome Books by Collyn Rivers

eBook versions

Paperback version

The book retailers set their own prices which can vary substantially. We'll aim to keep a selection of the better prices above.

Any bookshop, whether online or bricks and mortar, can order copies of Caravan & Motorhome Electrics.  Just ask.
ISBN: 978-0-6483190-8-5

Solar Success

Whether you’re building a new home or adding solar to an existing structure, this is the one book you can’t afford to be without.

eBook versions

Paperback version

Any bookshop, whether online or bricks and mortar, can order copies of Solar Success.  Just ask.
ISBN: 978-0-6487945-4-7

The Caravan & Motorhome Book

The Caravan & Motorhome Book covers every conceivable aspect of campervan and motorhome usage. If you own a camper van or motor home, you'll want this book.

eBook versions

Paperback version

The book retailers set their own prices which can vary substantially. We'll aim to keep a selection of the better prices above.

Any bookshop, whether online or bricks and mortar, can order copies of The Caravan & Motorhome Book. Just ask.
ISBN: 978-0-6483190-5-4.

Solar That Really Works!

Solar that Really Works! covers the design, installation and use of solar in cabins, camper trailers, caravans, fifth wheelers, campervans and motor homes.

eBook versions

Paperback version

The book retailers set their own prices which can vary substantially. We'll aim to keep a selection of the better prices above.

Any bookshop, whether online or bricks and mortar, can order copies of Solar That Really Works!  Just ask.
ISBN: 978-0-6483190-3-0

Why Caravans Roll Over
and how to prevent it

Explains in detail every aspect of tow vehicle and caravan stability. This is what you need to know to be safe on or off the road.

eBook versions

Paperback version

The book retailers set their own prices which can vary substantially. We'll aim to keep a selection of the better prices above.

Any bookshop, whether online or bricks and mortar, can order copies of Why Caravans Roll Over.  Just ask.
ISBN: 978-0-6483190-6-1