1. Chemistry Connections to the Power Grid – Closing the “Generation Gap”
Debbie Fraser
CURENT – Research Experience for Teachers (RET)
June 2015
Knoxville, Tennessee

2. Making the Connections
Chemistry is “the central science”: what role does it play in the structure and function of the electric power grid?
A unit intended for end-of-year use was developed for high school chemistry students
Activities centered on chemical processes at work in the grid and being developed for increasing the
use of renewable resources

3. CHEMISTRY & THE POWER GRID Lessons Summary
Overview of the Electrical Power Grid
- energy sources & chemical processes
- renewable & nonrenewable resources
(pros & cons)
Need to Move Towards Renewable Resources
- exploring renewable energy
- developing large-scale energy storage
batteries -
Engineering/Technological Connections
- modeling/testing renewable energy sources & storage
 photovolatic & fuel cells
 experimental Edison battery
- innovations: graphene nanobattery, liquid metal
battery, fuel cells

4. Science Standards
AP CHEMISTRY:
Big Idea 3: Changes in matter involve the rearrangement and/or reorganization of
atoms and/or the transfer of electrons
(Essential Knowledge 3.C.3 Electrochemistry shows the introconversion between
chemical and electrical energy in galvanic and electrolytic cells)
Big Idea 5: The laws of thermodynamics describe the essential role of energy and
explain and predict the direction of changes in matter
CHEMISTRY (TN):
CLE 321.T/E.4 Describe the dynamic interplay among science, technology, and
engineering within living, earth-space and physical systems.
CLE 3221.T/E.1 Explore the impact of technology on social, political and economci
systems

5. Electric Power Grid Introduction (Lesson One)
Energy Transformations
Grid Simulation:TCIPG Applet

6. Where’s Chemistry? >Diatomic Partners”
- Identify major energy sources
- Describe pros and cons of each energy sources

7. Transitioning to Renewable Energy Sources (Introduction to Lesson Two)z
Driving forces :
Limited nonrenewable energy sources
Global warming
Economic impact of fluctuating foreign fuel prices

8. Renewable Energy Transition Isues
Variability – weather dependent
Generated Quantities – less than that of fossil fuels

9. The Push Towards Renewable Resources (Report by Congress Research Service)
“Energy Storage for Power Grids and Electric Transportation: A Technology Assessment” March 27, summarizes current energy storage technology in two categories: power grid & transportation - numerous private companies and national labs, many federally supported, are engaged in storage research and development - notes a wide range of technology available, making it difficult to gain a balanced understanding of capabilities, costs and advantages of each – some technologies suit certain applications better than others

10. Using Chemistry Research to Help Make the Transition to Renewable Energy
Students will read a short article: “Generation Gap”
The author states: “In the coming decades, interdisciplinary research involving chemists, materials experts and engineers will be needed to develop these innovations (next-generation fuels and batteries) into real-life applications
“Chemists could smooth out the patchy supply of sun and wind power by developing fuels and batteries that can store energy during peak times”

11. Energy Storage is Considered Key to Incorporating Renewable Energy in the Electrical Power Grid “Filling the Generation Gap”

12. Using Chemistry Research to Make the Transition to Renewable Energy

13. EXPERIMENTAL EDISON BATTERY (Lesson Two )
Developed by Thomas Edison ~1901
Used in electric vehicles which soon gave way to gasoline fueled cars
Widely used in stand-by operations
Compared to lead-acid batteries used in cars:
- charged in much less time
- more expensive (up-front costs, cheaper long term use)
- poor performance in cold temperatures *

14. EDISON CELL/BATTERY
Built between , stopping production when Edison plant was bought by Exide
Renewed interest in Edison Battery for renewable energy storage home and small business use
Out-lasts the lead-acid batteries (at least 4-X)
Does not have negative environmental impact of lead batteries
Cathode: 2 NiOOH + 2 H2O + 2e- <-> 2 Ni(OH)2 + 2OH-
Anode: Fe OH- < - > 2Fe(OH)2 + 2e-

15. EXPERIMENTAL EDISON CELL LAB
Students construct a model Edison cell, also known as the Ni-Fe cell (nickel –iron)
Using electrochemistry principles, students will test variables impacting voltage and evaluate the efficiency and durability of the cell
This activity would occur over several days, ending with a student challenge to produce the greatest voltage with materials given

16. RENEWABLE ENERGY & ENERGY STORAGE (Lesson Three)
Many consider batteries the key to the increased use of renewable energy sources
Students will model solar energy storage using photovoltaic cells and the Edison cell

17. Student Activity on Photovoltaic Cells
Inquiry Activity to Test Variables Effecting Current

18. Student Groups Design An Energy Transfer/Storage System
Photovoltaic (Solar) Energy
Edison Cell Energy Strorage

19. STORING RENEWABLE ENERGY IN SOLAR/WIND PRODUCED FUELS (Lesson Four)
Using solar to produce hydrogen: electrolysis. Based on the results from the students data using the photovoltaic cell, how could the cells be used to produce hydrogen gas?
ELECTROLYSIS OF WATER:

20. A GLIMPSE AT OTHER PROMISING TECHNOLOGIES
DYE-SENSITIZED PHOTOELECTROSYNTHESIS CELL (DSPEC)

21. Stanford Scientists Give New Life to the Ni-Fe battery
INCREASED EFFICIENCY OF A NANO-EDISON BATTERY
Stanford Scientists Give New Life to the Ni-Fe battery
Created an ultrafast Ni-Fe battery that is capable of charging and discharging in seconds

22. LIQUID METAL BATTERY FOR GRID STORAGE