MDC Tech

A123 is a lithium-ion battery manufacturer, and one of the Guardian’s 2009 “Global Cleantech 100.” The company could be cementing that reputation in the near future with the announcement of a new spinoff company, 24M, working on some mysterious new energy storage technology.Nothing firm has been announced, but spokespeople have mentioned flow batteries in conjunction with the project. In a standard flow battery, electrolyte travels or “flows” through a cell, which converts the inherent chemical energy into clean, usable electricity. They can be recharged more easily (and more quickly) than regular batteries by switching out the electrolyte solution.This means that powerful batteries can take small shapes, as long as there’s a good supply of electrolyte nearby. While people have already suggested this technology for powering cars, it would also offer wind and solar power plants a new way to store the energy they produce. The Department of Energy, Department of Defense, and DARPA are all standing behind this new technology, which a spokeswoman said “will be available within five years.”