IN ENERGY STORAGE, CHEMISTRY RESTRICTS THE POTENTIAL OF PHYSICS. SO WE MOVED AWAY FROM CHEMISTRY AND INVENTED A UNIQUE, HIGH PERFORMANCE, PURE ELECTRICAL ENERGY STORAGE TECHNOLOGY.
WE STORE ENERGY USING CHARGE CLUSTERS IN VACUUM.
FREEL TECH DESIGNED THE “VACUUM CAPACITOR”, A REVOLUTION IN ELECTRICAL ENERGY STORAGE, TO OVERCOME THE CURRENT LIMITATIONS IN E-MOBILITY AND STATIONARY STORAGE.
CHEAP, SAFE, ECO-FRIENDLY, POWERFUL, LONG-LASTING, SCALABLE AND A VERY HIGH DENSITY OF UP TO 20 000 WH/KG (≈ 100 x LI-ION)…
One of our early prototypes.It can store approximately 1 kWh.
THE ULTIMATE ENERGY STORAGE SOLUTION : HOW DOES IT WORK ?
Our storage device, the Vacuum Capacitor, is similar to a supercapacitor, but energy storage is achieved by using new physical principles. Thanks to the patented structural features, our Vacuum Capacitor is able to store charges (electrons) inside a small vacuum chamber, under high electrical field. We create the proper conditions to have these charges packed in very dense, cluster-like structures: the "charge clusters". Hence, we achieve a volumic storage, rather than surfacic one (case of the usual capacitors). Using the charge clusters is a highly efficient and direct electricity storage, without transformation into electrochemical, or chemical energy. Moreover, in our devices, charge and discharge are achieved through a single electrode, the cathode.
INCREDIBLE ENERGY DENSITY, HIGH ROUND-CYCLE EFFICIENCY
One such prototype Vacuum Capacitor (“VC”), approx. 50 g and 7 cm height, will typically be able to store approximately 1 kWh of energy (charges stored inside the top white ceramic cap, under vacuum).
Round-cycle efficiency of the whole system (charging system + Vacuum Capacitor) is currently being tested and undergoing improvement, in order to reach an overal efficiency not less than 95 %.
THE LOWEST COST : well under 100 USD per kWh, right now !
With its simple structure and long service life, our technology offers the most cost-efficient and reliable energy storage solution for most applications.
While Li-Ion technology (the battery pack itself) is expected to reach the $100 per kWh mark before 2024, with current prices closer to $132 /kWh, the cost price of our Vacuum Capacitor (including the associated charging system) is already well below this figure, and will become even lower when its massive production starts.
EASILY SCALABLE MANUFACTURING, WITH NO RARE, UNSUSTAINABLE OR EXPENSIVE RAW MATERIALS
Our Vacuum Capacitor is made of relatively common, non expensive and durable materials (usual metals, ceramics, …): it can easily be produced in large quantities, manufacturing gigawatthours of energe storage capacities at much lower price than in existing or planned gigafactories of Li-Ion batteries.
Our technology also allows us to avoid relying on supplies of rare or expensive materials, such as cobalt or lithium, whose prices are currently rising due to their scarcity or near monopoly extraction conditions. It is also known that the exploitation of these raw materials poses serious environmental and sustainability issues, without taking into account the total carbon footprint linked to the total manufacturing and supply chain.
OVER 10 YRS SERVICE LIFE EXPECTANCY
Our electrodes are designed to withstand a very large number of cycles. Our current target is to reach 100,000 cycles, which we hope to confirm soon with our current testing program.
SAFE & RECYCLABLE
Our Vacuum Capacitors will have limited individual capabilities, so it is easier to ensure their protection in all applications types : the VCs will each be encapsulated in a specific, reliable physical and dielectric barrier, to prevent current leakage, or damage in case of VC misfunction.
If a Vacuum Capacitor fails inside a storage system, its physical protection barrier, earthing (or emergency discharge system) and the system’s PMS shall ensure that it will not prevent other units from functioning properly and safely. The damaged unit will simply be replaced during the next scheduled maintenance.
The free-from-electrolyte Vacuum Capacitor won’t catch on fire.
Thanks to the use of common raw materials and to their simple structure, discarded vacuum capacitors can be easily dismantled and their components recycled.
WIDE TEMPERATURE RANGE (- 60 °C … + 60°C)
The Vacuum Capacitor itself is resistant to the harshest weather conditions, such as cold or extreme heat, while most other storage technologies require air conditioning to function properly.
In our case, the appropriate temperature range must only be guaranteed for the surrounding electronic components (PMS, I&C, inverters, ...), while the compactness and the energy density of our Vacuum Capacitor make it possible to save money on the significant energy used for air conditioning.