Inspenet, July 20, 2023.
This solid battery promises to be more powerful than lithium-ion ones.
Among NASA’s initiatives is the development of a new battery technology and they have shared some key data on their progress in this area. Its research and development approach is based on creating more powerful batteries than current lithium-ion ones, using a solid electrolyte combined with a new chemistry.
Through the SABERS (Solid-State Architecture Batteries for Enhanced Rechargeability and Safety) program, they have managed to develop a prototype with an astonishing energy density of 500 Wh/kg.
NASA has unveiled its latest next-generation battery prototype, which is a solid-state battery based on sulfur and selenium. This has achieved an impressive energy density of 500 Wh/kg, similar to that of Amprius or CATL’s condensed battery. However, what makes it truly revolutionary is its focus on an alternative chemical composition. Although initially not focused on applications for electric cars, this technology could be adapted for private vehicles in the future.
10 times more powerful! This is the solid battery of NASA
NASA has achieved extraordinary energy density in its battery technology, as have Amprius and CATL. However, its greatest advance lies in the extremely fast reloading, ten times faster than at the beginning of the research, which is essential for the development of rockets and aircraft that require exceptional power for takeoff.
Another outstanding achievement is the reduction of weight by 40%. Sulfur and selenium battery cells can be stacked without a case , which significantly increases energy density and helps decrease battery pack weight. Additionally, this chemistry is capable of withstanding twice the temperature of the industry’s most advanced lithium-ion batteries and is less disrupted by pressure changes.
Although the automotive industry is developing technologies capable of matching its numbers, NASA excels in crucial aspects such as maximum discharge power, resistance to heat and pressure changes. These factors are essential for future rockets and aircraft, but do not affect today’s electric vehicles.
The challenge lies in subjecting this technology to numerous tests with rigorous protocols, which implies considerable costs. Approving these new components for use in commercial aircraft is a much more complex process than developing batteries for electric cars, which will take longer. Nonetheless, NASA’s advances promise a bright future for aviation.
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