Sodium-ion battery storage for ultra-low temperatures
The research team and the field setup
Image: Purdue University
A research group led by scientists from Purdue University has fabricated a sodium-ion battery (SIB) pouch cell using components compatible with extremely low temperatures and tested it under harsh conditions while connected to renewable energy sources. SIB technology is considered a more sustainable alternative to conventional lithium-ion batteries, as sodium compounds are more abundant.
“Our research presents the first practical evaluation and field demonstration of a sodium-ion pouch cell battery operating at ultra-low temperatures, proving its stability for wind and solar energy storage down to -100 C,” corresponding author Vilas G. Pol told pv magazine. “By employing a commercial-like pouch cell assembly and demonstrating performance in extreme conditions, the work paves the way for the deployment of sustainable battery energy storage systems in harsh climates and space applications.”