MIT, NREL researchers develop 40%-efficient thermophotovoltaic cell for grid-scale thermal batteries
The device is described as a heat engine with no moving parts that is able to produce power from a heat source of between 1,900 to 2,400 C. This concept is known as thermal energy grid storage (TEGS) and consists of a low-cost, grid-scale storage technology that uses thermophotovoltaic cells to convert heat to electricity above 2,000 C.
Utility scale solar inverters need improved commissioning and upkeep
Recurring power grid faults are testing solar inverter reactions, and have exposed issues that could seemingly be solved by improvements to commissioning, operations, and maintenance.
FERC takes major step toward transmission reform
The decision has been lauded as one that could lead to much-needed upgrades to the nation’s electrical grids, updates that would enable higher penetrations of renewable resources.
Department of Energy looks to integrate Vehicle-to-Everything bi-directional charging into US infrastructure
The US DOE released a Memorandum of Understanding that aims to bring together parties to advance bi-directional charging with cybersecurity as a core component.
BorgWarner wins $4 million prize to design American-made EV fast charger
The Department of Energy prize will support the development of a cost-effective direct current electric vehicle fast charger made of US-sourced components.
Watch: Fronius releases solar design tool
The inverter provider released a free online platform for planning, design, and sales of solar PV systems.
IREC aims to help 35 states speed interconnection of distributed storage
The Interstate Renewable Energy Council, lead developer of a toolkit to make it faster and less costly to interconnect distributed storage, now turns to helping states use the toolkit to update their interconnection rules.
Toronto area businesses to engage in 77MW distributed energy aggregation
A pilot managed by Enel X will supply the Ontario grid with demand response loads aggregated from 14 distributed sites. The project is expected to ease peak demand on the grid and supply the businesses with energy savings and additional revenue streams.
FERC Commissioner Phillips’s views on how to improve transmission, interconnection
Commissioner Phillips spoke of fixing interconnection dynamics that can result in only 20% of projects in a queue ultimately getting interconnected. He favors “substantial transmission,” he said, as well as near-term transmission improvements using grid-enhancing technologies and higher-capacity wires.
Sunrise brief: Solar supply chain issues–from duties to tariffs to COVID-19 and the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act
Also on the rise: Advanced conductors could enable 27GW more renewable power per year. Solar-powered data server network developed to frame the internet as a natural resource. Stanford flips the switch on new solar array, powering campus with 100% renewables. Project between Maui Electric and Paeahu Solar moves forward. Global tracker provider FTC Solar posts 130% growth in 2021. Newer and larger solar plants perform better, while older plants pick up steam with repowering.
