Salt batteries:analysis, advantages and limitations

Let's explore the future of energy with salt batteries:an innovative solution that promises greater sustainability.Advantages, limitations and impacts.

The salt batteries, or molten salt batteries, are a type of rechargeable battery that uses an electrolyte made of molten salts.This type of battery is also known as batteries that store energy in the form of heat:we are therefore talking about thermal batteries.This family of batteries includes those that contain nickel and sodium chloride, i.e. "table salt".

Salt batteries have several interesting features.They use molten salts as the electrolyte instead of organic solvents, which makes them safer and less prone to problems such as fire or explosion compared to traditional batteries.They can also operate at higher temperatures without degrading, making them suitable for a variety of applications.

These batteries are still in the development and research phase, but they are considered promising for large-scale energy storage, particularly for renewable energy, due to their safety and stability characteristics.

Salt batteries represent an innovative breakthrough in the field ofenergy storage, promising to transform the way we store and use electricity.In this article, we will explore how these batteries work, their practical applications, and how they compare to more common lithium batteries.

How are salt batteries made?

Unlike traditional batteries, salt batteries use an electrolyte composed of molten salts instead of organic solvents.This makes the batteries safer, more stable and suitable for various temperatures without the risk of overheating.The main components include the anode, the cathode and the molten salt electrolyte.

Salt battery operation

The heart of the functioning of a salt battery lies in the process of load and unload.During charging, ions move from the anode to the cathode through the electrolyte, storing energy.During the discharge, energy is released when the ions move in the opposite direction.

Practical applications of salt batteries

Salt batteries are finding applications in several areas, come on renewable energy to large-scale storage.They are particularly suitable for the accumulation of energy produced by intermittent sources, such as the sun and wind.Furthermore, they can be used to provide energy in emergency situations or to power isolated electrical networks.

Pros and cons of salt batteries

Advantages of salt batteries

Salt batteries offer numerous advantages, including increased safety due to the use of molten salts as the electrolyte.They are more stable, they have a longer useful life (about 20 years) compared to traditional batteries and can operate in a wide range of temperatures, even the lowest ones.They are not toxic to humans, they are recyclable and have no fire risk.

Limitations and disadvantages

However, it is important to also consider the limitations.After being completely discharged, the battery requires a period of 10-12 hours to reach optimal internal temperature before a new charging cycle can be started.Basically, this type of battery It is not suitable for quick charging or occasional use:if it is not used daily or with a certain frequency, it tends to discharge itself and requires a long time to become fully operational again.Some technological developments are still underway to overcome these challenges.

Comparison with lithium batteries

Compared to the now common lithium batteries, salt batteries they do not contain dangerous materials (however nickel, the second component after sodium in salt batteries, is scarcely available, like lithium).Currently, salt batteries are used in specific applications related to electric mobility and the accumulation of energy from intermittent renewable sources.In the second case, the dimensions of salt batteries are comparable to those of lithium batteries, oscillating between 5 and 10 kWh contained in a "box" measuring 50 cm x 56 cm x 32 cm.

However, from the perspective of production and market, salt batteries still present higher costs and lack the well-established infrastructure of lithium counterparts.In addition, salt batteries are not suitable for sporadic energy storage or small-scale applications, such as in telephones and smartphones.

Future and developments of salt batteries

Despite their relatively recent use, salt batteries have origins that they date back to the 1980s in South Africa.The pioneer behind this innovation is the Zeolite battery research (Zebra), who created the Zebra battery.The company has been involved in several ownership changes over time, an element that has significantly slowed down economic investments and the development of this technology on the market.

A significant turning point came thanks toItalian company Elettra 1938, which managed to mass-produce these components under the name of FZSoNick, gaining adoption by some bus companies.

Globally, several companies are particularly interested in the production of salt batteries.A notable example is CATL, a considered major Chinese company the largest battery manufacturer globally.The Italian company AMG Italian Energy Storage, despite its young age, is also significantly contributing to the widespread development of this technology.

The future of salt batteries appears promising, with continuous innovation and research to improve their performance.In fact, there are several startups that are working to their evolution.The developments could enable greater efficiency, higher energy density and reduced costs, thus helping to shape the sustainable energy landscape.

In conclusion, salt batteries present themselves as a key technology on our path towards a more sustainable energy future, with the potential to revolutionize the way we store and use electricity.

• What are salt batteries? They are a type of rechargeable battery, safer and less prone to problems such as fire or explosion than traditional batteries.
• What are the advantages of salt accumulators? Compared to common lithium batteries, salt batteries do not contain hazardous materials, are more easily recyclable and have a longer useful life.
• What is the main problem with salt batteries? If it is not used daily or with a certain frequency, it tends to discharge itself and requires a long time to become fully operational again.
• How much do they cost compared to lithium batteries? They tend to be more expensive but although the market is still limited, their cost is leveling out with that of lithium batteries.

Conclusions

The choice between salt batteries and lithium batteries It depends on your specific needs of the application and the requirements of the energy system involved.Both technologies have advantages and disadvantages, and the best decision will depend on the context in which they are used.

In conclusion, salt batteries are particularly suitable for large-scale storage and energy storage from renewable sources, while lithium batteries are more advantageous for portable applications and electric mobility.Research and development continues for both technologies, with the aim of improving performance and reducing costs.The choice will therefore depend on the specific needs and requirements of the application under consideration.