The Proclaimer

Long Live the Cleantech Revolution

Good Morning John. Excellent Article to wake up to. I hope that I someday I will get a chance to talk with you in person. I like your comment about "leaving issues to better-informed writers". Causes me to focus my attention on a much anticipated early retirement. I will leave you with this thought: Have you noticed that today's babies are born walking, NO, make that running!

Lead-Acid, Lead-Carbon Batteries: The Only Option for Average Consumer

One thing that I have not seen mentioned is the effect of driving in a mountainous region vs driving in a flat region of the country. Common sense tells me that it would take more energy to drive up hill. Even if you take into account utilizing the down hill grade to generate/recover the power there would be greater losses vs steady load conditions. Could you explain more on the difference between driving on a more or less level road vs driving on a mountainous terrain?

Grid-based Energy Storage: Birth of a Giant

To Mark Goldes: Amaizing discovery! After visiting your website I am even more convinced that the future of mankind will be even brighter than I can foresee. I hope that I can get an opportunity to add yours to my list of known discoveries. I can only wonder how many other unbelievable discoveries are about to become known.

Grid-based Energy Storage: Birth of a Giant

Hey! How about this senerio: Make the Electric car's battery system capable of supplying power back to the electric grid when connected to the charging system. That way cars battery serves a dual purpose while parked. Granted one risks the possibility of not having a fully charged car every now and then. But I am sure that a system could be designed to guarantee that a minimum charge would available. Sounds like a strength in numbers solutions to me.

Grid-based Energy Storage: Birth of a Giant

Thanks Jimmi for the very informitive entry. Will reducing the cost of carbon nanotubes affect the cost of these batteries?

Grid-based Energy Storage: Birth of a Giant

My Thanks to John P and Jim T for me up to speed on the latest storage technology. There are some good ideas available for small < 1 Mwh storage facilities. When it comes down to none are as praticle or have large capacities when compared to pump storage. The operating cost are closer to break even than the other options when factoring in the cost savings/benifits to the generating units. The increase in the life expectancy of the Turbins and boilers has proved to be very cost effective, both in reduced Maintence and lower operating expenses. The draw back? Location, a suitable geological stable mountain. You just can't find enough mountains in the middle of the power grids high load. A combination of both would work best. Bottom line is there is just no better solution than reserve capacity.

Please don't leave Pump Storage out of the cost comparison.