Liquid Metal Batteries: Past, Present, and Future

"High-temperature operation and all-liquid components restrict liquid metal batteries to stationary applications; however, the promise of low-cost, scalable, and high rate capable energy storage makes liquid metal batteries prime candidates for grid- scale energy storage (0.1−1.0 GWh). Today, grid-scale energy storage capacity represents less than 6% (130 GW) of global electricity generation, and demand is likely to increase as the need for off-grid storage grows due to market penetration of intermittent renewable power sources, increased electrification, advancements in smart grid technology, and deployment of electric vehicles. However, in the absence of grid-scale electrical energy storage, power providers must continuously adjust output levels to meet fluctuating demand, causing a wide-range of operational and infrastructural inefficiencies." Review of liquid metal batteries and their use in off-grid storage to meet the growing pressures on the electrical grid.