Scaled Electricity Storage Using Lithium-Sulfur Batteries

Lead Research Organisation: University of St Andrews
Department Name: Chemistry

Abstract

The University of St Andrews and OXIS Energy Ltd will collaborate in order to demonstrate a lithium-sulfur (Li-S) flow
battery. Li-S chemistry has two key advantages; it uses cheap and abundant raw materials; and delivers vastly improved
energy density in comparison to incumbent technologies. Li-S batteries are therefore cheaper per unit of energy stored
than incumbent technologies. The proposed project will seek to demonstrate how this can be exploited together with a
novel Redox Flow Battery (RFB) design to deliver cost effective energy storage at a grid level. The project will demonstrate
the operation of a lab scale Li-S RFB. This will involve the design and construction of new test hardware; the development
of new electrolyte formulations; the testing of novel electrode materials and composites; and finally the investigation of
operation conditions. The resulting battery will establish the commercial feasibility of the concept for stationary applications,
where large battery capacity and low cost are essential. This inexpensive grid-scale battery promises to efficiently connect
intermittent renewables to the grid thus increasing energy security while simultaneously reducing both bills and emissions.

Planned Impact

This project seeks to advance energy storage technologies by testing the feasibility of a potentially disruptive new grid
storage technology. We will work with OXIS Energy Ltd to evaluate electrolyte formulations, electrode materials and modes
of operation for a lithium-sulfur flow battery.
With regards to the energy trilemma, the benefits of energy storage are difficult to quantify as its impact on cost, security,
and emissions are all interrelated. This is made more difficult by the complexity our energy networks. However, the most
comprehensive attempt has been made, on behalf of the Carbon Trust, by Strbac et al (1). This work creates a whole
system model of the UK's energy network built on "pathways" developed by DECC in their "Carbon Plan". The pathways
are essentially visions of how the governments CO2 emission and energy security targets can be met. The model is then
used to calculate how much electrical storage would minimise the systems total costs and what those costs would be. For
example for a "pathway" high in renewable energy, and with a similar storage cost as is expected for this technology
(<£100 / kW.year), the model predicts that CO2 emission could be reduced by 50% (1950 MtCO2eq), while also
maintaining the UKs energy security, by deploying 14.8GW (24hrs) of storage.
The model estimates that this would produce savings of £2bn p.a. in comparison to a similar system with no energy
storage. While this might not represent our true energy future it does provide strong evidence that energy storage, such as
that proposed by this project, offers significant benefits.
Energy storage is shown to; reduce overall costs to those involved in generation, transmission and distribution; minimise
consumer's energy bills; increase the UK's energy independence; and mitigate the effects of global warming for all, by
reducing CO2 emissions.
OXIS will benefit by exploring a nascent field which has the potential to both enhance their existing technology and open up
a potentially large new market in a related area. USTAN will benefit by cementing its reputation for world class energy
storage research and by helping to establish a new high technology business. The UK may ultimately benefit from new high
value manufacturing jobs and the export of technology.
(1) G.Strbac, M.Aunedi, D.Pudjianto, P.Djapic, F.Teng, A.Sturt, D.Jackravut, R.Sansom, V.Yufit and N.Brandon, "Strategic
Assessment of the Role and Value of Energy Storage Systems in the UK Low Carbon Energy Future", Carbon Trust, June,
(2012).

Publications

10 25 50
 
Description A lab scale test apparatus to simulate a potentially grid scale battery has been constructed. The apparatus has been used to test battery electrolytes formulated and supplied by OXIS Energy Limited. The system works as a battery and is in the process of being further optimised. Electrochemical studies have identified a suitable material for use as a current collector in a scaled battery and shed some light on the chemical reactions occurring. The solubility of polysulfides in sulfolane has been investigated and found to very high. The power output from the cell has been found to be modest but strategies have been identified to improve this.
Exploitation Route This system has the potential to provide inexpensive and large scale storage of electricity. Our findings might inform those engaged in the development of similar technology, notably OXIS Energy our collaborators. We ourselves intend to pursue the further optimisation scale-up of the technology.
Sectors Education

Energy

Environment

Other

 
Description Innovate UK project working with Oxis Energy developing LiS batteries and flow cells
First Year Of Impact 2016
Sector Energy
Impact Types Economic

 
Description EMRS, Virtual Conference 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact The VIRTUAL 2021 Spring Meeting will consist of parallel symposia with invited speakers, oral and poster presentations, assorted by plenary sessions and a number of workshops and training courses. As a new item for posters, short oral presentation will give each attendee the opportunity to highlight the major results.

The high quality scientific program will address different topics organized into 19 symposia arranged in 4 clusters covering the fields of energy materials, nanomaterials and advanced characterization, biomaterials and soft materials, as well as materials for electronics, magnetics and photonics.

In parallel with the technical sessions, international exhibitors will have the opportunity to promote their equipment, systems, products, software, publications and services during the meeting.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
URL https://www.european-mrs.com/meetings/2021-spring-meeting-0
 
Description ICTN-KLC, India 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact International Conference on Thin Films & Nanotechnology: Knowledge, Leadership, & Commercialization

The ICTN-KLC: 2021, the first one of its kind, aims to bring together students, academicians, scientists, technologists, and entrepreneurs working on development and applications of thin films and nanomaterials from lab to commercial (industrial) scale. The inaugural 3-days conference will be organized virtually from the foundation day of the Thin Film Lab (TFL). In addition to scientific talks, there will be sessions dedicated to research ethics, leadership, and entrepreneurship targeted mainly for early career researchers. The conference will consist of plenary/invited talks and contributed papers on various focus areas in Thin Films & Nanotechnology.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
URL http://www.ictn-klc.org/
 
Description MEMP 2021 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Centre for Materials for Electronics Technology (C-MET), Pune is organizing an International Conference on Multifunctional Electronic Materials & Processing (MEMP 2021) at Pune, India during 8-10 March 2021.
MEMP-2021 provide an opportunity to scientists, researchers, academicians and young students to interact with eminent scientists/technologists working in the field of multifunctional electronic materials for various applications & their processing for making devices.
Materials required for energy storage, energy generation, Nanostructured materials, Quantum dots, Sensors, Neutrino Energy Conversion /storage. Flexible devices, Photonic devices and processing techniques like Additive Manufacturing (3D printing) will be discussed here.
MEMP 2021 will serve as a common platform for discussing the new ideas developments/ breakthroughs and future prospects pertaining to multifunctional electronic materials with some of the leading scientists/ technologists as well as to be acquainted with their experience and knowledge.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
URL https://journalsofindia.com/multifunctional-electronic-materials-processing-memp-2021/
 
Description STACEES Network Launch 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Supporters
Results and Impact The launch of The St Andrews Network for Climate, Energy, Environment and Sustainability (STACEES) is an interdisciplinary research-focused initiative launched in April 2021 at The University of St Andrews.

STACEES' objective is to drive cohesion and capacity in environmental sustainability research at St Andrews, boosting its impact and visibility. The network's vision is to build ambitious, lasting research capabilities that position the University at the centre of international conversations on climate change, energy research and environmental sustainability.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
URL https://events.st-andrews.ac.uk/events/sta-cees-network-launch-with-guest-speaker-prof-john-irvine/
 
Description UKRI at COP26 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Our role in supporting a Year of Climate Action.

The UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) is underway. We are supporting activities and events that inspire and engage people and promote positive climate action. Whether you are at COP26 or not, register to access our events, exhibitor booths and engage with researchers and innovators.

On these pages you will find out more about:

the role research and innovation play in tackling climate change
events that UK Research and Innovation is hosting and promoting for COP26, and how to sign up and attend
how to join the climate conversation and share your work and ideas.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
URL https://www.ukri.org/our-work/responding-to-climate-change/ukri-towards-cop26/