How energy storage can make green energy economical

The price of energy sometimes goes negative, even, because wind farms want to recoup the renewable energy credit. Craziness!

Aquion is definitely an exciting competitor, and we wish them all the best. It is an honor to have such a worthy competitor. I think we'll bring out the best in each other.

They probably can reach the smallest scales better than we can, though I think we're going to give them a run for their money at mid - larger scales. It will be a challenge to come up with a system nearly so low cost and long lasting as one using compressed air. There are also some very interesting things we can do with low-grade heat, but that is another story. :-)

For, now, I think, really, the main thing is to get the idea out there. And the opportunities for making a difference and making money with renewables + storage are immense. If we get the message across to governments and utilities and public utility commissions, we'll really start to see traction especially for governments of islands and rapidly emerging economies.

Offpeak Energy + Storage < Peakers + Grid Upgrades

Promote the green solution (and save green!) :)

Also, we have a pretty awesome team already, but we're always looking for exceptional people. jobs@lightsailenergy.com :)

We've yet to unveil the details and results of our technology, but here's a preview:

We have a breakthrough energy storage technology called Regenerative Air Energy Storage.

The concept is to store energy in compressed air -- a motor/generator first drives a compressor, which stores air in a tank. To deliver stored energy, the air comes out and is expanded, driving the motor/generator as a generator and generating electricity.

Our innovation captures the heat energy of compression (the majority of the energy in compressed air is stored in the form of heat) and allows us to regenerate from it almost all of it in the form of useful energy.

We do this by spraying a fine water mist directly into the compressing and expanding air. The high surface area and heat capacity of water rapidly absorbs the heat of compression, and delivers it during expansion, to be converted back into mechanical energy.

Thanks! Transmission and distribution don't get the attention they deserve, it's true. I think storage can change that, though :-)