Energy Storage
Articles/Websites
Grades9, 10, 12, APPhysics, Engineering
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Provided by Stanford Understand Energy
What it is
- In this article and video lecture, students will learn about different energy storage technologies, current trends in energy storage, and the push to incorporate battery storage on the grid.
- The college-level lecture clearly explains various energy storage techniques, the rise of lithium-ion batteries, and what is needed for a clean energy transition.
- This site also contains links to additional resources to explore, a downloadable "Fast Facts" sheet and extension resources.
Teaching tips
Positives
- The article provides important information about battery storage, like the cost to purchase batteries for a utility vs. an individual.
- The lecture uses easy-to-understand analogies to explain how battery energy storage operates and emphasizes the efforts made by the U.S. government to increase battery storage capacity and manufacturing.
Prerequisites
- Students need prior knowledge about power and energy terminology and the standard units used.
- Teachers may need to create an account if they'd like to request lecture slides.
Differentiation & Implementation
- Students can analyze the data and current trends and identify what it means for the future.
- As a reference to this resource, students can write to their state representatives asking for subsidies on battery energy storage technologies to lower installation and operation costs.
- Students can also form breakout groups to discuss different concerns involved in sourcing the minerals that are used to manufacture these batteries, such as human rights issues and environment impacts, then come up with possible solutions.
From the scientist review
This article offers a primer on energy storage and offers many links to citations and outside information. All information within appears accurate and well-researched and is recommended for teaching.
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