TECH – Chinese company Betavolt New Energy Technology has initiated mass production of its innovative BV100 nuclear battery, a compact device capable of supplying energy for 50 years without recharging or maintenance. This coin-sized battery utilizes the radioactive isotope nickel-63, which decays into stable copper, emitting energy that is converted into electricity through microscopic layers of diamond semiconductors. The BV100 has an initial power output of 100 microwatts at 3 volts, and its modular design allows for scalability, with plans to release a 1-watt version in the near future.
The potential applications for these batteries are vast, ranging from space missions to medical devices like pacemakers, drones, and artificial intelligence-powered gadgets. Notably, the BV100 is designed to be safe, non-flammable, and environmentally friendly, as it does not produce harmful waste at the end of its life cycle. Additionally, it operates effectively in extreme temperatures, from -60 °C to 120 °C.
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Betavolt is not alone in this technological pursuit; companies in the United States and the United Kingdom are also developing similar nuclear battery technologies, indicating a burgeoning race to dominate the miniature nuclear energy market. Zhang Wei, CEO of Betavolt, emphasizes that his company has mastered the production of large-scale diamond semiconductors, a critical component for these batteries.
The BV100 battery measures just 15 x 15 x 1.5 millimeters, making it smaller than a dime. It can store 3,300 megawatt-hours and reportedly has an energy density over ten times that of conventional lithium batteries. Betavolt asserts that the battery can sustain its output for up to 50 years without the need for charging or maintenance.
While the current power output of the BV100 is modest, Betavolt notes that multiple batteries can be connected in series or parallel to power more demanding devices. The company is collaborating with domestic universities to develop higher-power batteries using isotopes such as strontium-90, promethium-147, and deuterium.
This advancement in nuclear battery technology could revolutionize various sectors by providing long-lasting, maintenance-free power sources for a wide range of applications.
