Intellectual property expert Appleyard Lees’ analysis of patent filings across several key environmental issues shows that innovation is growing rapidly, including in some surprising areas.
The firm’s second annual edition of its Inside Green Innovation report looks at patent filings in the areas of heat pumps, solar, batteries, hydrogen, sustainable plastics, carbon capture and food.
Heat pumps – four wheels versus four walls
Patent data for heat pump technology show that innovation in this area is surprisingly shifting towards the field of transportation, rather than traditional applications in buildings.
Filings in transport-related heat pumps from 2017-2021 rose by around 14 per cent on the previous five years, with car makers such as Hyundai, Ford and Toyota featuring heavily. This growth is likely aimed at solutions for heating the interiors of electric vehicles, which is more challenging than in petrol and diesel vehicles. Heat pump technology may also improve the efficiency of EV batteries during colder months.
However, heat pump innovation is still required in traditional applications. “The difference in effectiveness between installing heat pumps in new build and existing properties, the inefficiency of current equipment in cold weather, inadequate electricity supply for mass usage and total life costs for heat pumps are all challenges that need addressing through innovation,” explained Adam Tindall, partner at Appleyard Lees.
Batteries – solid-state and recycling
The future of EV batteries could be founded increasingly on solid-state technology, according to the report. Whereas patent filings in conventional lithium-ion battery technology is plateauing, solid-state innovation is rising significantly.
“Annual priority filings in solid-state battery technology went from 75 in 2015 to more than 400 in five years, with Japan dominating the field,” said Paul Benyon, Appleyard Lees senior associate. “That said, there’s life in Li-ion yet, with battery makers shifting their attention to alternative materials.
“Equally, there are recent moves to address the recycling challenges of both solid-state and Li-ion batteries, with new patent applications arising from California.”
Hydrogen – from grey to green
Innovation in green hydrogen – hydrogen produced via electrolysis of water rather than via natural gas – is reaching record highs. While the patent filing rate for green hydrogen has increased steadily since the 1990s, it leapt by 160 per cent in the second half of the 2010s.
Particular attention is also being paid to transport applications via hydrogen fuel cells, with an upsurge in patent filing for innovations in trains, buses, trucking and lightweight aircraft.
“Hydrogen technology still needs to advance significantly in some areas, in particular production, distribution, and storage before it can become truly viable and mainstream, but it is clear that industry sees a way forward with increasing investment in innovation,” said senior associate Chris Mason.
Carbon capture – direct from the air
Global innovation in carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) technology is reaching a peak not seen since 2012, according to the report. More than 140 patents were filed in this area in 2020, half of which relate to direct act capture, where technology advances are required to overcome high costs.
Patent attorney Ashley Wragg commented: “Improving current or developing novel technologies will, we believe, increase global interest in carbon capture – including the industrialisation of air capture.
“However, a promising future alternative could come from using algae as a natural, direct air capture method. Current innovation includes growing algae in large ponds to remove carbon from the air and bury it underground – and this area is attracting interest from major companies.”
