Researchers find refuelable battery concept

Alan Bailey

Petroleum News

Research chemists in the University of Glasgow, Scotland, have discovered a new battery technology that enables the fluid inside the battery to be replaced when the battery runs down, rather than having the battery recharged. This presents intriguing possible applications in electric cars: Instead of having to plug a car into a recharging station for some significant period of time, the battery fluid would be replaced at a filling station in an operation somewhat similar to the refueling of a gasoline or diesel vehicle.

According to a university news release, the technology uses nano-molecules that can store electrical power or hydrogen. The fluid could be used to release electricity or hydrogen gas. In addition to possible applications for electric cars, the technology could potentially be employed in energy storage systems in conjunction with fluctuating renewable energy sources, the researchers think.

Presumably, to be used in practice, especially at a commercial scale, the practicalities and commercial viability of the technology would need to be proved. At this point the technology is at a pure research stage.

- ALAN BAILEY