Battery research at Livermore Laboratory started in the 1970s with aluminum-air batteries, as part of DOE's electrical storage program. The current incarnation of battery research now includes electromechanical battery technologies. In addition, material scientists at Livermore Laboratory are developing a nanolaminate fabrication process that can be used to create high-performance dielectric layers to maximize the energy storage in capacitors. LLNL's materials research is focused on developing new lithium-based batteries with greatly improved power densities and cycle-life times as well as with substantially improved safety characteristics.
There is a growing need to find substitutes for carbon-based fuels.
The Livermore Laboratory is well equipped to take on this challenge.
Research is underway to explore the efficiencies of the electromechanical battery, including flywheel-based energy storage, and to further develop super capacitors.
The electromechanical battery is an energy storage module consisting of a high-speed rotor and an integrally mounted generator/motor. Super capacitors are high-energy-density capacitors with electrical storage capabilities.
Livermore Laboratory is collaborating with industrial partners to build:
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This Science & Technology Review article (section Storing Energy, Page 6) describes how Livermore Laboratory's Industrial Partnerships Office is marketing a commercial license for a nanolaminate fabrication process that can be used to create high-performance dielectric layers.
This Science & Technology Review article describes how Livermore Laboratory researchers are integrating innovative materials and designs to develop highly efficient and cost-effective energy storage.