What are light-assisted energy storage devices?

Light-assisted energy storage devices thus provide a potential way to utilize sunlight at a large scale that is both affordable and limitless.

Can solar energy be used for energy storage?

The use of solar energy, an important green energy source, is extremely attractive for future energy storage. Recently, photo-assisted energy storage devices have rapidly developed as they efficiently convert and store solar energy, while their configurations are simple and their external energy decline is much reduced.

Can optical waveguide enhance solar-thermal energy storage system?

For example, the optical fiber can be coated with heat conducting tube. Thus the heat release of the thermal storage system can be enhanced. In summary, we introduced optical waveguide into solar-thermal energy storage system to enhance the charging rate and solar-thermal energy conversion efficiency.

Can solar-thermal storage be used on a large scale?

For potential practical solar-thermal storage on large scale, we performed an outdoor experiment using a high-capacity (500 mL) container loaded with the paraffin-graphene composite (Fig. 7a). A lens with a diameter of 50 cm was used to condense the sunlight.

Can DC lighting help achieve a zero energy building?

DC lighting can contribute to a Zero Energy Building, as demonstrated by the recently completed headquarters of the American Geophysical Union in Washington, D.C. This building is a prominent example of how Photovoltaic (PV) systems can be directly coupled to DC lighting. In 2016, the U.S. Army installed a DC microgrid at Fort Bragg, NC, which included DC lighting for its resiliency.

Do DC lighting and building microgrids save energy?

Although a DC lighting and building microgrid can save 10-18% energy, the non-energy benefits are often the most compelling. (Figure 3 indicates the combined results of the RFI and interviews regarding DC lighting and DC building microgrids.)