Key Takeaways
1. Unigrid’s Na+ Fleet 12V sodium-ion batteries are designed to replace traditional lead-acid batteries and come in three sizes (30, 60, 90) with varying cold cranking amps (500, 850, 1250).
2. These batteries feature a solid sulfide electrolyte and a safer composition, eliminating rare earth elements and reducing risks associated with leaks and fires compared to lithium-ion batteries.
3. The Na+ Fleet batteries have enhanced thermal stability, resistant to fire until reaching several hundred degrees Celsius, unlike lithium-ion batteries that can face thermal runaway below 100°C.
4. They offer a significant lifespan of over 5,000 charge cycles, operate effectively in extreme temperatures from -40°C to 60°C, and are backed by a five-year warranty.
5. The batteries have passed rigorous safety standards (UN 38.3 and UL 9540A) and provide specific energy of 178 Wh/kg and volumetric energy density of 417 Wh/L.
Unigrid has introduced the Na+ Fleet 12V sodium-ion battery targeted for automotive uses.
Battery Specifications
The Na+ Fleet comes in three group sizes: 30, 60, and 90, and offers cold cranking amps (CCA) of 500, 850, and 1250, respectively, available to distributors, integrators, and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). These batteries can directly replace traditional 12V lead-acid batteries, operating within a voltage range of 8V to 14.4V, without needing extra battery management hardware. They are backed by a five-year warranty and can endure over 5,000 charge cycles, functioning effectively in temperatures from 0°C to 55°C and can operate in extreme conditions from -40°C to 60°C.
Safety Features and Composition
In standard lithium-ion batteries, a liquid electrolyte sits between the carbon anode and lithium cathode materials. During discharge, electrons flow from the anode to the cathode through the electrolyte, and reverse during charging. Issues like physical damage, overcharging, and whisker formation can lead to leakage or even fires in lithium batteries, which are tough to extinguish.
Unigrid has innovated by using a solid sulfide electrolyte, replacing the anode with tin infused with single-walled carbon nanotubes, and utilizing sodium-chromium-oxide (NaCrO2) for the cathode. The Na+ Fleet doesn’t rely on rare earth elements and is safer for storage and use. Moreover, it’s more eco-friendly at the end of its lifecycle, according to the company.
Enhanced Thermal Stability
Darren Tan, CEO of Unigrid, highlights that these sodium-ion batteries are resistant to catching fire until they reach several hundred degrees Celsius. This is a significant improvement compared to lithium-ion batteries, which can face thermal runaway at temperatures well below 100°C, a dangerous issue reported in various incidents involving Tesla and e-bike batteries, some of which have been fatal.
The new battery technology boasts a specific energy of 178 Wh/kg and a volumetric energy density of 417 Wh/L, having successfully passed both UN 38.3 and UL 9540A testing standards. The Na+ Fleet batteries utilize the company’s 3270 or 32140 cylindrical sodium-ion cells, which are rated for 10,000 charge cycles (at 80% capacity) and can handle deep discharges.
For those in search of a durable battery option for their vehicles available for purchase now, AGM lead-acid batteries like the Optimas found on Amazon might be worth considering.
Unigrid, Unigrid press release, Unigrid Na+ Fleet pdf, Unigrid battery cells pdf, Interesting Engineering, Science, Journal of The Electrochemical Society, Chemical Engineering Journal.
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