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Digital technology plays a pivotal role that extends beyond the mere transformation of policies; it has the profound capability to revolutionise the entire life cycle of redox-flow batteries. By seamlessly integrating digital advancements, these batteries can be elevated to new efficiency, adaptability, and responsiveness levels.
Researchers at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC) are at the forefront of a digital revolution aimed at transforming redox-flow batteries into a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective solution for energy storage. One of the PhD candidates, Sophie McArdle, and her team are leveraging digital technology to enhance performance, reduce size, and slash overall costs associated with redox-flow batteries.
A redox flow battery is rechargeable with electrolytes flowing through electrochemical cells. It has become a crucial player in large-scale energy storage, such as grid energy storage and load balancing. Despite its technical merits, the traditional challenges of bulky size, sluggish reactions, and high production costs have hindered its widespread adoption. With the global shift towards renewable energies, McArdle’s research aimed to address these challenges using digital technology as a catalyst.
McArdle’s digital-centric research identified key factors within the battery’s electrode that can be digitally modified to improve performance significantly. Unlike lithium-ion batteries, redox-flow batteries, developed with slower reactions, suffered from a misconception of efficiency. Professor Aaron Marshall, the Principal Investigator of the MacDiarmid Institute, highlights the need for a digital approach, emphasising that past attempts to enhance redox-flow batteries were misguided.
“The bottleneck was due to the misinterpretation of many redox-flow battery measurements,” explained McArdle. “I am utilising digital means to speed up reactions, thereby improving performance, reducing the electrode size, and ultimately decreasing the battery size and cost.”
The success of this digital transformation could herald a new era of affordable energy, increased security, and viable off-grid alternatives. Professor Marshall envisions a future where nations and smaller groups can digitally install these systems for energy storage, fostering independence and sustainability.
In addition to her digital research, McArdle’s active engagement in workshops and collaboration with a commercial mentor underscores her commitment to understanding market validation, digital commercialisation, and effective digital pitching – essential elements in bringing innovative technology to the forefront.
Professor Marshall emphasises the significance of understanding industry needs in the digital age. “These digital discussions could help identify potential business models through licensing, sales, or even digital battery building.” McArdle’s investigation into digital industry requirements for electrodes and their testing procedures aligns seamlessly with Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7) – Affordable and Clean Energy.
As McArdle navigated the digital landscape of market demands and industry expectations, her work contributes to the scientific community. It holds digital promise for commercial applications transforming the energy storage landscape.
The innovative digital approach to enhancing redox-flow batteries, as demonstrated by McArdle’s research, reflects the growing intersection of digital technology and sustainable energy solutions. Through extensive digital data analysis, modelling, and simulation, McArdle showcased the transformative potential of digital technology in advancing global, sustainable, and affordable energy solutions.
At Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | the University of Canterbury, ongoing digital efforts further underscore the powerful impact of technology on shaping a cleaner and more sustainable energy landscape. Integrating digital technologies across academic and operational spheres has not only allowed the university to reduce its environmental footprint significantly. Still, it has also positioned it as a model for sustainable practices.
In serving as a beacon of inspiration for institutions worldwide, the University of Canterbury exemplifies the positive influence of digital technologies on reshaping the energy landscape. The university’s commitment to driving positive change towards a cleaner and more sustainable future is evident through its implementation of smart campus initiatives, integrating renewable energy sources, and incorporating sustainability topics into its academic curriculum. This holistic approach signifies the transformative potential of technology in fostering a culture of innovation and environmental responsibility on a global scale.
