By Adaobi Rhema Oguejiofor
With the world eagerly gearing towards clean energy, such as renewables, there have been increasing concerns about how these energy sources can be stored and conserved. Over the years, mind-blowing technologies that could help store these energy alternatives, from advanced batteries to pumped hydro storage have emerged. One of the most intriguing of these innovations is the energy-storing brick.
Red bricks, mostly known for being one of the world’s cheapest, strongest and most familiar building materials have been utilized within the world of construction for over 6,000 years. These bricks have been traditionally used within walls in different buildings be it residential, commercial or industrial, and they have been beneficial for absorbing heat during the day and releasing that heat during the night, thereby keeping homes and workplaces warm. However, according to a study by researchers at Washington University, it has been discovered that red bricks could also be used to store energy. Thanks to the red pigment within red bricks, they can be converted into efficient energy storage units.
Imagine walls that have the capability of storing sunshine and releasing it at night, buildings with the ability to power themselves, and power grids that are resilient against disruptions. This is the future that energy-storing bricks promise. These innovative bricks merge seamlessly into walls, capture excess renewable energy, smooth out the power grid, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Also known as ElectroBricks, Smart Bricks, and Energy Harvesting Bricks, Energy-storing bricks are a novel form of concrete that aims to transform ordinary bricks into devices capable of storing electricity and power devices. The technology uses a chemical process to convert the red pigment in standard bricks into a conductive plastic that coats the pores inside the bricks. This plastic acts as a supercapacitor, quickly storing and releasing large amounts of charge. With this, they can create intelligent, sustainable buildings that reduce carbon emissions and save energy.
Energy-storing bricks are an innovative approach to sustainable building design. They incorporate materials known as phase change materials (PCMs) within their structure. PCMs are substances that can absorb and release large amounts of thermal energy as they transition between solid and liquid states.
How it Works
During the day, when the building’s exterior is exposed to sunlight and heat, the energy-storing bricks absorb excess heat. As the bricks are warming up, the phase change material inside them undergoes a transition from solid to liquid, storing thermal energy in the process. The phase change process allows the bricks to store a significant amount of thermal energy within a narrow temperature range. This energy remains stored inside until the temperature drops, or until there is a demand for heat within the building. When the temperature cools down at night, for instance, the PCM inside the bricks starts transitioning back from a liquid state to a solid state. This phase change releases the stored thermal energy as heat, which then helps to keep the indoor environment warm and comfortable.
By regulating indoor temperatures, energy-storing bricks help to reduce the need for regular heating and cooling systems, leading to energy savings as well as reduced carbon emissions. They also help to mitigate temperature fluctuations and improve overall thermal comfort. These bricks contribute to better energy management, reduced reliance on fossil fuels, and a more sustainable built environment. They can be particularly beneficial in regions with significant temperature fluctuations.
Types of Energy-Storing Bricks
Energy-storing bricks are an innovative technology that integrates energy storage capabilities into conventional building materials. These specialized bricks can store and release energy, offering a sustainable and efficient way to power buildings. There are several types of energy-storing bricks, each with unique properties and applications.
One type is supercapacitor bricks, which are coated with a conductive polymer and an electrolyte to create supercapacitors—fast-charging, high-power energy storage units. These bricks can be connected to renewable energy sources like solar panels to store excess electricity for later use. This feature makes them an ideal solution for sustainable energy systems. Another category is thermal energy storage bricks, which are filled with phase change materials (PCMs). These materials absorb and release heat during phase transitions, such as melting or freezing. By regulating indoor temperatures, these bricks reduce the need for conventional heating or cooling, thereby enhancing energy efficiency in buildings. Microbial fuel cell bricks are another innovative type. These contain microbial fuel cells that use microbes to generate electricity from organic matter such as urine or wastewater. When stacked to form a wall, these bricks can power sensors or small devices, offering a unique way to produce renewable energy within a building structure.
Energy-storing bricks present numerous advantages that make them a promising solution for modern energy needs. One of the primary benefits is their lower cost. These bricks leverage the existing brick manufacturing infrastructure, reducing the need for additional materials and specialized equipment. This integration helps keep production costs low and enhances scalability. Another advantage is their longer lifespan compared to conventional batteries. These bricks can endure more charge-discharge cycles and withstand various environmental conditions without degrading. This durability also mitigates issues associated with battery disposal, which often involves hazardous and toxic substances. Energy-storing bricks also offer higher safety. Unlike traditional batteries, they do not pose significant risks of fire, explosion, or leakage. Their ability to prevent overheating and overcharging further enhances their safety profile, making them suitable for residential and commercial applications. Additionally, these bricks provide easier integration into existing structures. They can store energy without requiring extra space or complex wiring systems. This adaptability makes them attractive to architects and designers looking to incorporate energy storage seamlessly into buildings while enhancing the aesthetic appeal.
Despite their benefits, energy-storing bricks face several challenges that limit their widespread adoption. One major issue is production capacity. Converting regular bricks into energy-storing supercapacitors involves a complex coating process where a conductive polymer and an electrolyte are manually applied in laboratory settings. For these bricks to become commercially viable, the production process needs to be automated and integrated with existing brick manufacturing lines. Low durability is another concern. These bricks are exposed to environmental factors such as moisture, temperature fluctuations, and mechanical stress, which can degrade their performance over time. Maintaining functionality through multiple charge-discharge cycles while withstanding harsh conditions remains a significant technical challenge. Another critical limitation is the low energy density of energy-storing bricks compared to traditional batteries. This means they store less energy per unit volume or mass, restricting their ability to deliver large amounts of power for extended periods. Ongoing research focuses on optimizing materials, structures, and manufacturing processes to enhance energy density.
Ensuring compatibility with existing electrical infrastructure is also crucial. Energy-storing bricks must integrate seamlessly with current power sources, controllers, and loads while complying with building codes and safety regulations. Reliable interfaces and efficient connections are essential to facilitate their practical application in real-world environments. The environmental impact of these bricks is a double-edged sword. While they can reduce reliance on fossil fuels and promote renewable energy, their increased demand may lead to ecological concerns. This includes heightened mining activities for raw materials, deforestation, and emissions from the brick manufacturing process. Furthermore, potential leakage or contamination from the conductive polymer and electrolyte poses environmental risks that must be carefully managed. Social justice implications also arise with the adoption of energy-storing bricks. On the positive side, these bricks could provide affordable and reliable energy access to low-income and marginalized communities, particularly in remote areas. However, they may also exacerbate social inequalities depending on how they are distributed and who controls the energy they store. Additionally, bricks that power sensors or monitoring devices raise privacy and security concerns for building occupants.
Despite these challenges, energy-storing bricks offer immense potential for innovation and improvement. Researchers continue to address existing limitations through ongoing development, striving to make the technology more practical and cost-effective. These advancements could position energy-storing bricks as a game-changer in sustainable energy solutions. By enhancing energy efficiency in buildings, promoting sustainability, and creating more comfortable indoor environments, energy-storing bricks hold promise as a transformative technology. With continued investment and research, they could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of energy storage and building design.
