China's first integrated PV-Storage-Charging project for a new aqueous zinc-manganese dioxide battery, developed by Tianjin University and the first of its kind in China, has been put into operation.

The project, which is being implemented in Yueqing, Zhejiang province, will serve as a "large power bank", available for grid energy storage and power peak shaving to stabilize the local power supply.

The 50 kW/150 kWh energy storage system at the State Grid Zhejiang Yueqing Power Supply Co., Ltd.

By overcoming shortcomings in traditional aqueous batteries, the new ones feature a large capacity, high energy density (about two times that of traditional batteries), high safety level, no memory effect, excellent performance in low-temperature conditions (-40℃~55℃), and the ability to charge and discharge quickly with high currents. 

According to the research team, the highly safe aqueous zinc-manganese dioxide battery drew immediate attention from enterprises at home and abroad as soon as it was released on the market.

Apart from domestic applications in Zhejiang, the 50 kW/150 kWh energy storage system using the new aqueous battery has also been purchased and promoted by a company in the United Arab Emirates.

"Aqueous batteries characterized by high energy density and high circularity will be the focus of future battery development and application technology," said the team leader from TJU. "We will continue to carry out more in-depth and innovative research around the key technology development and material application in the field of new energy and environmental protection, and strive to develop batteries with better performance.”

Electrochemical energy storage is widely used in fields like primary frequency modulation, peak-shift of electrical demands, and new energy applications as it is convenient to use, causes less environmental pollution, and is free from geographical limitations as well as Carnot cycle limitations in energy conversion. In addition, it boasts a high conversion efficiency, high energy density and high power. The large-scale application of electrochemical energy storage technology is of great significance in terms of improving China's energy structure and ensuring its energy security.