Liquid Metal Batteries for cheap stationary electricity storage

Liquid metal batteries are discussed as cheap stationary energy storage. Built as a stable density stratification of two liquid metals separated by a molten salt, they offer excellent charge transfer kinetics, extreme current densities and a very long lifetime. Using earth-abundant and cheap raw materials allows potentially reaching a storage price of 1-5 ct/kWh/cycle.
The talk will give an overview of LMB research at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR). Special focus will be given to the Li-Bi and Na-Bi systems, and the importance of fluid dynamics for the efficient and safe operation of the cells. Finally, an outlook on the Horizon 2020 project “Solstice”, which aims in developing Na-Zn molten salt batteries, will be given.