Chinese-developed nuclear-powered battery can last 50 years without recharging
The Chinese nuclear battery operates by converting the energy produced through the decay of isotopes into electrical power. This concept, initially posited in the twentieth century, has now been realized through the efforts of Betavolt. The company has initiated preliminary testing and intends to scale up production for diverse commercial applications, including but not limited to mobile phones and unmanned aerial vehicles.
A novel nuclear battery, introduced by the Beijing-based startup Betavolt, purports to generate electricity continuously for a remarkable span of 50 years without necessitating recharging or maintenance. This pioneering battery represents a breakthrough in the miniaturization of atomic energy, encapsulating 63 nuclear isotopes within a module smaller than a coin.
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Betavolt has asserted that their cutting-edge battery has progressed to the pilot testing phase and is anticipated to be produced on a large scale for diverse commercial applications, including but not limited to phones and drones.
In an official statement, the company emphasized the versatility of the Betavolt atomic energy batteries, citing their suitability for prolonged power supply in various scenarios such as aerospace, AI equipment, medical devices, microprocessors, advanced sensors, small drones, and micro-robots. The company envisions that this innovative energy solution will position China at the forefront of the evolving AI technological revolution.
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Functioning on the principle of converting energy released from decaying isotopes into electricity, a concept explored in the 20th century, this nuclear battery represents a substantial advancement. While the Soviet Union and the United States had previously developed similar technology for spacecraft, underwater systems, and remote scientific stations, these thermonuclear batteries were characterized by high costs and considerable bulkiness. The endeavor to downsize and commercialize nuclear batteries aligns with China's 14th Five-Year Plan, aimed at fortifying the country's economy from 2021 to 2025. Concurrently, research institutions in the United States and Europe are also actively engaged in the development of such technology.
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Betavolt's initial nuclear battery exhibits a power delivery of 100 microwatts, a voltage of 3V, and compact dimensions measuring 15x15x5 cubic millimeters. The company envisions producing a battery delivering 1 watt of power by the year 2025. The diminutive size of these batteries facilitates their use in series to generate increased power, with potential applications ranging from perpetual mobile phone operation to everlasting drone flight. The battery's layered design, as per Betavolt's claims, ensures it remains non-combustible and impervious to explosions triggered by sudden force. Furthermore, the company asserts that the battery can operate within a temperature range spanning from -60°C to 120°C.
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Betavolt emphasizes the safety of their atomic energy battery, asserting its lack of external radiation and suitability for integration into medical devices such as pacemakers, artificial hearts, and cochlear implants. The environmentally friendly aspect of the battery is highlighted by the fact that, post the decay period, the 63 isotopes transform into a stable, non-radioactive isotope of copper, posing no threat or pollution to the environment.