Credit: All images on this belong to Ligna Energy
As the use of IoT devices increases, energy is being distributed to a multitude of nodes. Our reliance on these gadgets is also growing, leading to a higher demand for energy. To address the environmental impact of traditional batteries, the energy industry is undergoing a transformation that highlights lignin, a substance found in trees, as the solution.
The Forefront of the Renewable Revolution
Did you know that lignin, the substance that acts as a natural glue in trees, can also be used as a material for charging and discharging energy, just like traditional batteries? A Swedish company called Ligna Energy has come up with a new way to use this substance, which is derived from the paper-making process, to store energy. Their first product is a supercapacitor, which uses this innovative technology.
Some of the differences between a battery and a supercapacitor are:
Battery: Like a water tank: Holds a lot of energy and releases it slowly.
Life Span: Can only be filled and emptied (charged and discharged) so many times before it wears out.
Charging: Might take longer to recharge, but it'll last longer in operations, like monitoring sensors in a remote field where you can't change or recharge often.
Supercapacitor: Like a sponge: Absorbs and releases energy quickly but doesn't hold as much.
Life Span: Can be charged and discharged many more times than a battery without wearing out.
Charging: Gets fully charged very quickly. Useful for devices that can be periodically topped up or that harvest energy from their environment (e.g., using solar).
A Closer Look at the Environmental Perks
Lithium-ion batteries are known for their efficiency, but they have negative environmental impacts throughout their lifecycle, from mining rare metals to disposal. In contrast, wood is a renewable and sustainable resource, especially when responsibly sourced. This opens up the exciting possibility of more biodegradable batteries that could alleviate landfill pressures compared to their metallic counterparts.
Economics of Wood-based Energy Storage
Looking at it from an economic perspective, the potential of a battery made from wood is even more promising. With the growing demand for batteries due to the rise of electric vehicles and sustainable energy systems, the expenses of traditional batteries are increasing. This is where wood comes in as a viable alternative that could result in cost savings for industries and ultimately benefit consumers as well. Wood is easily available and cost-effective, making it a practical solution.
Spotlight on Ligna Energy
The Swedish company Ligna Energy is leading the way in producing organic, recyclable, and cost-effective batteries and supercapacitors from forest residues and waste-stream materials such as coconut shells.
Ligna Energy aims to replace traditional batteries in IoT applications with flexible and thin supercapacitors. They are helping other brands' devices to draw power from renewable sources such as solar panels, eliminating the need for battery replacement or charging.
Ligna Energy's innovation is not just a promise, as they have developed batteries that are sustainable and competitive in terms of performance, price, and cost.
Ligna Energy releases their next-generation supercapacitor
In September 2022, Ligna Energy unveiled its inaugural sustainable supercapacitor, the "S-Power 1," setting a precedent for eco-friendly energy storage solutions tailored for Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Following extensive collaboration and feedback from industry partners, the company has now introduced its next-generation supercapacitor, the "S-Power 2S."
Sustainability and Material Innovation
Ligna Energy's commitment to sustainability is evident in the development of the S-Power series, including the newly launched 2S model. Utilizing forest-derived materials, the S-Power 2S distinguishes itself from competitors by its low CO2 equivalent emissions and non-toxic composition. The product's unique form factor further adds to its appeal.
Comparative Analysis: S-Power 2S vs. S-Power 1
The S-Power 2S surpasses its predecessor in several key metrics:
Energy Capacity: The 2S model boasts more than double the energy capacity of the S-Power 1, expanding its applicability across a broader range of sectors.
Charging Efficiency: Reduced internal resistance in the 2S allows for quicker charging capabilities, particularly from energy-harvesting modules like solar panels.
Peak Currents: The new model can handle nearly twice the maximum peak currents compared to its predecessor.
Form Factor: The S-Power 2S is notably more compact, almost half the size of the S-Power 1, making it well-suited for space-sensitive applications.
Environmental Impact: Ligna Energy has successfully lowered the carbon footprint of the S-Power 2S, further solidifying its position as a sustainable choice for eco-conscious enterprises.
Strategic Outlook
Jakob Backe, the Chief Technology Officer at Ligna Energy, emphasized the company's responsive approach to market demands. He stated, "The team has synthesized valuable client feedback into the development of the 2S model. Every critical aspect has been enhanced, aligning with our objective to upscale production by 2024."
The introduction of the S-Power 2S marks avery promising milestone in Ligna Energy's journey to revolutionize the energy storage landscape, offering both environmental and performance advantages.
Linking to the Genesis
The genesis of this technology can be traced back to Linköping University, where scholars including Professor Xavier Crispin delved deep into the capabilities of organic materials. Their findings and subsequent research provided the foundation for Ligna Energy.
For those eager to delve deeper into the academic foundations, the works of Professor Xavier Crispin and his team at Linköping University offer a treasure trove of insights. Research by Xavier Crispin et al at Linköping University.
Conclusion
In the grand mosaic of sustainable energy storage, wood-based batteries could occupy a prominent tile. Their potential to fuse the age-old reliability of wood with cutting-edge technological prowess underscores the exciting prospects of greener, sustainable energy storage.
The story of Ligna Energy is a remarkable one, starting from a university lab and now reaching the global stage. It highlights the enormous potential of green batteries. As we strive towards a sustainable future, innovations such as wood-based batteries serve as a reminder that nature and technology can work together to solve some of our biggest challenges.
Read more about Ligna Energy and contact them here.
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