A Review of Potential Electrochemical Applications in Buildings for Energy Capture and Storage

The integration of distributed renewable energy technologies (such as building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV)) into buildings, especially in space-constrained urban areas, offers sustainable energy and helps offset fossil-fuel-related carbon emissions. However, the intermittent nature of these distributed renewable energy sources can negatively impact the larger power grids. Efficient onsite energy storage solutions capable of providing energy continuously can address this challenge. Traditional large-scale energy storage methods like pumped hydro and compressed air energy have limitations due to geography and the need for significant space to be economically viable. In contrast, electrochemical storage methods like batteries offer more space-efficient options, making them well suited for urban contexts. This literature review aims to explore potential substitutes for batteries in the context of solar energy. This review article presents insights and case studies on the integration of electrochemical energy harvesting and storage into buildings. The seamless integration can provide a space-efficient source of renewable energy for new buildings or existing structures that often have limited physical space for retrofitting. This work offers a comprehensive examination of existing research by reviewing the strengths and drawbacks of various technologies for electrochemical energy harvesting and storage, identifying those with the potential to integrate into building skins, and highlighting areas for future research and development.