Tag: sodium-ion batteries

  • First Grid-Level Sodium-Ion Battery Station Balances Wind and Solar

    First Grid-Level Sodium-Ion Battery Station Balances Wind and Solar

    Key Takeaways

    1. Hybrid Battery Project: China launched its first hybrid battery project combining sodium-ion and lithium cells to enhance energy storage capabilities.

    2. Energy Storage Capacity: The facility in Yunnan province has a capacity of 400 MWh, aimed at stabilizing energy from wind and solar farms connected to the Southern Power Grid.

    3. Improved Technology: The sodium-ion batteries used have a response speed six times faster than traditional sodium batteries, improving management of renewable energy fluctuations.

    4. Cost-Effective and Safe: Sodium batteries are less expensive, safer, and perform better in extreme temperatures compared to typical lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries.

    5. Significant Output: The system provides a steady output of 200 MW and can power around 270,000 homes with up to 98% renewable energy annually.

    After the successful rollout of energy storage initiatives utilizing sodium-ion batteries to stabilize the electricity grid, China has now launched its first hybrid battery project.

    Combining Battery Technologies

    This innovative project incorporates both sodium-ion and lithium cells, leveraging the unique advantages of each type. Located in Yunnan province, the energy storage facility has a remarkable capacity of 400 MWh, designed to store the fluctuating energy generated by wind and solar farms connected to the Southern Power Grid. This development aims to mitigate the kind of system strain from renewable sources that contributed to recent blackouts in Southern Europe.

    Advanced Battery Features

    The hybrid lithium-sodium energy storage system (ESS) relies on sodium-ion batteries provided by HiNa. They assert that their latest generation of high-capacity cells has a response speed that is six times quicker than traditional sodium batteries, a critical improvement for managing the unpredictable nature of renewable energy inputs.

    Typically, energy storage projects utilize lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, commonly found in portable power stations like the Anker Solix C1000. In contrast, sodium batteries are not only less expensive but also safer, provide faster output, and have better capacity retention in extreme temperatures. This makes hybrid ESS systems more durable and cost-effective.

    Groundbreaking Achievement

    HiNa proudly claims that this project is the first-ever multi-power composite sodium-ion battery energy storage system in the world. They had to develop a specialized grid-level power converter tailored specifically for the unique requirements of sodium batteries as part of the project.

    The first high-capacity sodium-lithium energy storage station designed for grid use occupies a mere 0.012 square miles and has the capability to handle 580 million kWh annually. This amount of energy can power around 270,000 homes with up to 98% renewable energy all year long.

    The sodium-lithium ESS delivers a steady output of 200 MW, aimed at stabilizing the peak output fluctuations from over 30 local wind and solar facilities. The system adjusts its charging and discharging modes in real-time based on the renewable energy input. It has been undergoing grid capacity tests since March and has now received certification to operate as a large-scale hybrid ESS featuring both sodium-ion and lithium batteries.

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    First Grid-Level Sodium-Ion Battery Station Balances Wind and Solar

     

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  • CATL to Mass Produce First 300-Mile Sodium-Ion Battery

    CATL to Mass Produce First 300-Mile Sodium-Ion Battery

    Key Takeaways

    1. High Energy Density: CATL’s sodium-ion batteries in the Naxtra series have an energy density of 175 Wh/kg, comparable to lithium iron phosphate batteries.

    2. Extended Range Capabilities: The Naxtra batteries can achieve over 300 miles of range on a single charge, marking a significant advancement for sodium-ion technology in electric vehicles.

    3. Resilience in Extreme Conditions: These batteries maintain capacity for over 10,000 charge cycles and perform well at extremely low temperatures, retaining 90% of charge at -40 degrees Celsius.

    4. Cost and Safety Advantages: Sodium-ion batteries offer lower costs and enhanced safety, as they do not contain flammable materials, reducing the need for reinforced casings.

    5. Mass Production Plans: CATL plans to start mass production of sodium-ion batteries for heavy-duty trucks in June and will begin delivering 300-mile Naxtra packs for electric vehicles by December.

    Battery producers such as BYD and HiNa have begun making sodium-ion batteries aimed at energy storage and smaller vehicles. However, the largest battery manufacturer in the world has surpassed them by revealing its new sodium-ion battery series for passenger electric vehicles, named Naxtra.

    High Energy Density

    The battery packs are constructed with CATL’s next-generation sodium-ion cells, boasting an impressive energy density of 175 Wh/kg. This energy density matches that of today’s lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries found in Anker power banks and popular electric cars like the Tesla Model Y, marking a significant advancement for sodium-ion battery technology.

    Extended Range Capabilities

    The Naxtra series features the first sodium-ion battery mass-produced for electric vehicles that can achieve a range of over 300 miles on a single charge. Besides being the first extended-range sodium-ion battery for passenger electric cars, CATL’s Naxtra battery offers all the benefits associated with sodium-ion technology when compared to lithium batteries.

    Resilience in Extreme Conditions

    This new sodium-ion battery maintains its capacity for over 10,000 charge cycles and performs well even in extremely low temperatures. CATL claims that its sodium-ion pack can keep 90% of a minimal 10% charge at -40 degrees Celsius, a challenge that lithium batteries struggle to meet. For instance, preconditioning a lithium battery, which uses its own energy to warm up before charging, is only effective when the charge is above 20%.

    In June, CATL plans to kick off mass production of sodium-ion batteries for heavy-duty trucks, intending to replace lead-acid batteries at half the cost. By December, they will begin sending out the first 300-mile sodium-ion Naxtra packs for customers to integrate into their forthcoming electric vehicle models.

    Cost and Safety Advantages

    While lithium prices have significantly decreased from their 2022 peak and sodium-ion batteries currently do not achieve half the manufacturing costs of lithium cells, sodium-ion chemistry presents various benefits beyond just a lower price point.

    These batteries can retain their capacity for a longer duration and under harsher conditions. A major advantage is their safety; unlike lithium cells with liquid electrolytes, sodium-ion batteries do not contain flammable materials, allowing them to endure various impact, puncture, or fire tests without needing reinforced casing like CATL’s lithium batteries.

    The battery manufacturer has even shared a testing video demonstrating that the Naxtra sodium-ion packs undergo rigorous endurance tests, succeeding impressively, which is promising for the safety of future electric vehicles utilizing the Naxtra sodium-ion battery in case of road incidents.

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  • CATL Sodium-Ion Battery Approaches LFP Energy Density at Lower Cost

    CATL Sodium-Ion Battery Approaches LFP Energy Density at Lower Cost

    Key Takeaways

    1. Cost Efficiency: CATL’s sodium-ion batteries are expected to be cheaper to produce than current iron phosphate (LFP) cells when mass production begins.

    2. Energy Density Advancements: Sodium-ion cells are approaching energy density levels comparable to LFP batteries, overcoming a key barrier to their broader adoption.

    3. Positive Market Outlook: The launch of the first sodium-ion power bank indicates a favorable trend for increased adoption of this technology and competitive pricing.

    4. Cautious Commercialization: CATL takes a conservative approach to commercialization, focusing on viable mass production rather than high-priced niche products.

    5. Solid-State Battery Timeline: CATL has experience in solid-state batteries but predicts widespread use won’t occur until after 2027, reflecting their cautious strategy.

    At a recent quarterly meeting with investors, Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. (CATL), recognized as the largest battery manufacturer in the world, provided insight into its plans for sodium-ion cell production.

    Cost Efficiency in Production

    When CATL’s second generation of sodium-ion batteries is fully ramped up for mass production, the expenses involved will be significantly reduced compared to the current most economical battery type, which is the iron phosphate (LFP) cells.

    Advancements in Energy Density

    An even more crucial point in CATL’s sodium-ion battery progress update is the assertion that its sodium-ion cells are nearing the energy density levels of the common LFP battery technology, which is dominant in both 200W power banks and mainstream electric vehicles. This was previously the central barrier to broader sodium-ion battery adoption, as these batteries have mostly been utilized for proof-of-concept electric vehicles or energy storage projects that don’t demand high energy densities.

    Positive Outlook for Mass Adoption

    The recent introduction of the first sodium-ion power bank suggests a positive outlook for the widespread use of this technology. If CATL, the world’s leading battery producer, is making advancements in its development, then competitive pricing should follow soon after.

    CATL’s sodium-ion battery update is quite a notable advancement, not just because it claims that producing cells without lithium will be cheaper than LFP technology, but also because it believes that mass production is unavoidable. They stated, “once large-scale adoption is achieved, sodium-ion batteries will have a certain cost advantage over LFP batteries.”

    CATL’s Conservative Approach

    CATL has reached the top of the battery industry by being cautious with its commercialization predictions of new technologies. Unlike smaller startups striving for breakthroughs in solid-state or sodium-ion batteries that lead to high-priced and niche products, CATL prioritizes the mass production viability of new battery chemistries or packaging technologies.

    When NIO requested a collaboration on its battery utilizing 95% solid electrolyte, CATL dismissed the idea, citing the resources needed to fulfill existing orders for its numerous clients. NIO subsequently developed a 150 kWh semi-solid-state battery for its ET7 sedan with a startup, but CATL was correct in predicting that the battery became too costly, and now NIO is leasing it for extended summer journeys.

    Cautious Optimism for Solid-State Batteries

    This is not to imply that CATL lacks experience in solid-state battery development; they have a decade of work in this area. However, the company warns that widespread use won’t occur until after 2027. This is sooner than their earlier 2030 estimate, but CATL tends to prioritize caution, and a similar strategy appears to be in effect with their sodium-ion battery technology.

    Despite CATL’s sodium-ion battery energy density apparently nearing that of LFP batteries, the company seems to be taking a deliberate approach to refine the chemistry while considering what will be practical for low-cost mass production.

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  • Sodium-Ion vs LFP: Key Differences in Battery Discharge Tests

    Sodium-Ion vs LFP: Key Differences in Battery Discharge Tests

    Key Takeaways

    1. Sodium-ion batteries show promising performance, comparable to lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries in various tests.
    2. In high discharge load tests, sodium-ion batteries deliver around 93% of their rated capacity, outperforming lead-acid batteries significantly.
    3. Sodium-ion batteries excel in cold weather, producing higher capacity compared to lead-acid and LFP batteries at low temperatures.
    4. Sodium is more abundant and cheaper than lithium, making sodium-ion batteries a potential future alternative for energy storage.
    5. Despite current advantages, LFP batteries are still cheaper due to economies of scale, but sodium-ion technology is gaining attention for home storage solutions.

    Much has been talked about sodium-ion batteries and how they could become a popular substitute for lithium-based battery technologies. Sodium is much easier to find compared to its alternatives and it also works quite well, as shown by a real-world charge and discharge test that highlights its performance against other common battery types.

    Testing Methodology

    In a YouTube video by Alex Hibbert Originals, a sodium-ion battery is put to the test alongside a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery and a lead-acid battery under various conditions. The outcomes are quite encouraging. In the initial test, the lead-acid battery only provides about 3Ah of its 4Ah rated capacity when it is discharged steadily at 15W. Meanwhile, the 2Ah LFP battery does remarkably well, with 1.94Ah being utilized; the 4Ah sodium-ion battery doesn’t quite match the LFP battery but still delivers 3.7Ah.

    High Discharge Load Performance

    When the discharge load is increased to 45W, similar results are observed. At an effective 1C discharge rate, the lead-acid battery only manages 2.7Ah, or roughly 68% of its rated 4Ah capacity. On the other hand, the LFP battery supplies a complete 2Ah, even at a 2C discharge rate, while the sodium-ion battery again delivers 3.7Ah, which is about 93% of its rated capacity.

    At a 120W discharge load, the lead-acid battery does even worse, providing just 2.4Ah—61% of its capacity—under an effective 2C discharge rate. The 2Ah LFP battery shines again, yielding an impressive 2.3Ah, likely due to the tough 4C discharge rate. The sodium-ion battery keeps up its performance, drawing 3.694Ah despite the increased discharge rate.

    Cold Weather Testing

    In an additional test, all three batteries were discharged in extremely cold conditions (-22°C) with a 45W power draw. The lead-acid battery produced 1.755Ah, the 2Ah LFP battery provided 1.89Ah, and the 4Ah sodium-ion battery yielded 3.42Ah.

    To sum it up, sodium-ion batteries seem to perform comparably to their LFP equivalents. Throughout all three standard temperature tests, the LFP battery essentially delivers 100% of its rated capacity, even when discharged at rates above 4C. The sodium-ion battery falls slightly short at around 93% of capacity. Meanwhile, the lead-acid battery, which is generally considered less effective, only manages to achieve about 75% of capacity, even at a lenient 0.3C discharge rate.

    Given that sodium-ion batteries are made from much cheaper materials compared to LFP batteries, they could represent the future of energy storage, especially in applications like home storage where the lower energy density isn’t a major concern. It’s worth mentioning, though, that LFP batteries are still cheaper at the moment due to economies of scale.

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    Sodium-Ion vs LFP: Key Differences in Battery Discharge Tests
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  • Sodium-Ion Battery Breakthrough Matches Lithium’s Energy Density

    Sodium-Ion Battery Breakthrough Matches Lithium’s Energy Density

    The scientific effort to create affordable sodium-ion batteries as a potential substitute for lithium-based battery packs used in electric vehicles and energy storage is reminiscent of the intense research and development that fueled LFP batteries over the last decade.

    Price and Performance of LFP Batteries

    The phosphate batteries, which avoid the costly nickel and cobalt, have gradually seen a decrease in price. This has led to the emergence of portable power stations, such as the Anker SOLIX, which are available for under a thousand dollars on Amazon. Additionally, these batteries have shown improvements in energy density and charging capabilities in cold conditions. As a result, LFP batteries are becoming the preferred choice for mass-produced electric vehicles and energy storage solutions.

    Advancements in Sodium-Ion Technology

    A similar trend is unfolding with sodium-ion batteries. Sodium is around 50 times cheaper than lithium and is so plentiful that it can be extracted from seawater. After more than ten years of research aimed at developing a practical sodium-ion battery, the first electric vehicles and large-scale energy storage systems are starting to appear. Major battery manufacturers, CATL and BYD, are focusing more on sodium-ion production, even with the significant decline in lithium prices recently.

    Improving Energy Density

    One of the main drawbacks of sodium-ion batteries has been their energy density, which is gradually improving as more research from labs transitions into production. A recent breakthrough involves a sodium vanadium phosphate compound (NaxV2(PO4)3) developed by scientists from the University of Houston and various French universities, moving from theory to practical use.

    This new vanadium phosphate material enhances the theoretical energy density from the current average of 396 Wh/kg to 458 Wh/kg, which brings it closer to lithium-ion batteries. Moreover, the incorporation of vanadium helps maintain stability during quick charging and discharging cycles while providing a higher voltage of 3.7V compared to the conventional cells currently in use.

    Implications for Future Developments

    Researchers highlight that “the continuous voltage change is a key feature” since it improves the battery’s energy efficiency without compromising the stability of the electrodes. The team even refers to this advancement as “a game-changer” for the future of sodium-ion battery technology and suggests that their specialized process could potentially apply to other electrode materials as well.

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  • US Grant for Low-Cost High-Energy Density Sodium-Ion Batteries

    US Grant for Low-Cost High-Energy Density Sodium-Ion Batteries

    The US Energy Department is funding efforts to enhance the energy density of sodium-ion batteries to rival the cost-effectiveness of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells, widely used in power banks and electric vehicles.

    They are providing $50 million for research into sodium-ion batteries through the Low-cost Earth-abundant Na-ion Storage (LENS) consortium, which is led by the Argonne National Laboratory of the Department of Energy.

    Research Collaboration

    The LENS initiative involves several national laboratories, including Brookhaven, Lawrence Berkeley, Pacific Northwest, Sandia, and SLAC National Accelerator labs. The director of the consortium stated that the aim is to “boost sodium-ion energy density to equal and then surpass that of phosphate-based [LFP] lithium-ion batteries while reducing and eliminating the reliance on critical elements,” which are typically sourced from China.of phosphate-based [LFP] lithium-ion batteries

    Recently, BYD, a Chinese company, revealed a sodium-ion energy storage system that boasts exceptional energy density. The US is eager to enhance its capabilities, given that it is one of the top producers of sodium, the essential and inexpensive material for Na-ion batteries.

    Battery Cost Comparisons

    Lithium batteries tend to be significantly more costly to manufacture, particularly those that include high-value metals like cobalt and nickel. This situation also heightens the reliance on Chinese suppliers, as the primary battery manufacturers and raw material suppliers are located there.

    In addition to national labs, the LENS consortium comprises prestigious academic institutions, including Florida State University, University of California San Diego, University of Houston, University of Illinois Chicago, University of Maryland, University of Rhode Island, University of Wisconsin–Madison, and Virginia Tech.

    Excitement for Innovation

    Feng Lin, a chemistry professor at Virginia Tech, expressed enthusiasm about participating in the sodium-ion battery commercialization initiative for electric vehicles: “Our world is on the edge of a major transformation in how we fuel our daily lives. With the shared knowledge of the LENS consortium, we now hold a special chance to advance new battery technologies for electric vehicles and to educate a new wave of scientists and engineers who will play a role in our domestic battery innovation and production.”

    The primary objective is to develop innovative electrode and electrolyte materials for sodium-ion batteries, as well as to create prototype cells that will be integrated into new sodium-ion battery packs, which are designed to have extended life cycles and high energy density.

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