Michael Burz, CEO of Enzinc | The Benefits of Zinc for Battery Storage Ep.98
Lead-acid batteries are heavy and highly toxic. Lithium-ion is lighter but tends to catch fire and requires a thermal management system to regulate its temperature.
So, Michael Burz, President and CEO at Enzinc, is developing a next-generation rechargeable zinc battery that is safer for people and the planet.
With a background in aerospace engineering, Michael is on a mission to apply his expertise to the green tech revolution.
He was introduced to 3D zinc technology by the US Naval Research Laboratory and partnered with the NRL to design a high-performance alternative to lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries.
On this episode of Clean Power Hour, Michael joins Tim to discuss the advantages of zinc batteries over lead-acid and lithium-ion, describing how Enzinc technology can be deployed safely in very hot or cold climates without a thermal management system.
Michael explains how zinc technology applies in both mobile and stationary energy storage, exploring how its ebike batteries can be scaled for use in EVs and internal combustion engines as well as microgrids and data centers.
Listen in to understand how Enzinc’s batteries can be built in existing plants and learn how you can be part of the engineering team Michael is building to design, test and manufacture zinc battery anodes.
Key Takeaways
How Michael’s work with the NRL led him to develop a rechargeable zinc battery
The advantages of zinc battery technology over lead-acid and lithium-ion
How zinc battery technology is applicable to both mobile and stationary energy storage
The nickel-zinc and manganese-zinc products Enzinc is developing to replace lead-acid batteries
How Enzinc’s ebike batteries can be scaled for use in EVs and internal combustion engines
Why zinc battery technology is ideal for highly dense urban environments
How zinc batteries can be deployed in very hot or cold climates (without thermal management systems)
The extensive real-world testing Enzinc must do to bring its tech to market and why Michael’s team invited an industry advisory group to be part of its testing process early on
How Enzinc is developing its batteries to be built in existing plants and factories
Why Michael’s team is partnering with a recycling firm in the design process
Michael’s insight on how zinc-air battery technology will advance electric aircraft
Connect with Michael
Connect with Tim
Email tgmontague@gmail.com
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Resources
California NanoSystems Institute
US Department of Energy ARPA-E
Global Automotive & Mobility Innovation Challenge
California Energy Commission BRIDGE Award
Sponsor
The Clean Power Hour is produced by the Clean Power Consulting Group and created by Tim Montague. Please subscribe on your favorite audio platform and on Youtube: bit.ly/cph-sub | www.CleanPowerHour.com | contact us by email: CleanPowerHour@gmail.com | Speeding the energy transition!
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