08-24-2017, 12:31 PM
For some alternative energy enthusiasts, Musk's deal wasn't good enough. Instead of buying Tesla's Powerwall, they build their own DIY versions using recycled batteries for a fraction of the cost. Then, naturally, they share their creations and swap knowledge with other hobbyists across the internet. DIY powerwall enthusiasts congregate on a dedicated forum, in Facebook groups, and on YouTube. They live all over the world: I spoke to makers on three different continents and a half dozen time zones.
DIY Powerwall Builders Are Using Recycled Laptop Batteries to Power Their Homes - Motherboard
Researchers from the University of Sydney and Nanyang Technological University have developed a three-stage method to produce catalysts for zinc-air rechargeable batteries. These have up to five times the energy density than lithium ion cells and use low-cost materials, but have struggled with recharging. There is increasing interest in using zinc-air structures for flexible consumer batteries as well as aqueous zinc battery sotrage systems in the power grid.