Batteries boost the internet of everything: technologies and potential orientations in renewable energy sources, new energy vehicles, energy interconnection and transmission

Abstract

Rechargeable batteries, which represent advanced energy storage technologies, are interconnected with renewable energy sources, new energy vehicles, energy interconnection and transmission, energy producers and sellers, and virtual electric fields to play a significant part in the Internet of Everything (a concept that refers to the connection of virtually everything in our physical world to the internet). This promotes the transition of energy to green, low-carbon, safe and efficient. In addition, many past studies had conducted extensive review studies for research on batteries in a disintegrated manner. For example, the studies on review of battery materials and battery states estimation are conducted individually. So far, there is no comprehensive and holistic perspective of battery research combining all different aspects such as materials, structure, manufacturing, and monitoring simultaneously. One possible reason is that the researchers from different backgrounds are working in their respective fields which may not be able to leap advantages of collaborative efforts of multidisciplinary fields for promoting true innovation in battery research. Based on this notion, this article illustrates the contribution of batteries in improving the Internet of Everything under the rapidly evolving living habits. This article also outlines an overview on the specific development of batteries in terms of materials, structure, manufacturing process, monitoring, recycling, service, sales, and policy from the stages of battery design, production, operation and maintenance, and recycling. Some important findings are as follows. Batteries are widely used in many scenarios related to our daily lives, such as automotive industry, aerospace industry, industrial equipment, and energy storage systems. The smart sensors, blockchain, cloud platform, and zero-carbon batteries are the four potential development orientations for smart batteries. A wide range of applications will be available for technologies such as wireless battery management system and reconfigurable battery in the future.