Beijing-based Betavolt, a Chinese startup, has unveiled a revolutionary nuclear battery, claiming it can power smartphones for an impressive 50 years without charging. The BV100 marks a groundbreaking achievement as the world’s first mass-produced nuclear battery, propelling China to the forefront of groundbreaking advancements in atomic energy batteries and fourth-generation diamond semiconductors.
In a significant leap from development to the pilot stage, Betavolt is gearing up for full-scale production, promising a grand entrance into the market. The compact nuclear battery, approximately the size of a coin, is designed to generate electricity continuously, boasting an impressive 50-year lifespan without requiring any charging pit stops.
How did they do it?
Betavolt claims to be the pioneer in successfully miniaturizing atomic energy, fitting 63 nuclear isotopes into a module more petite than a coin. The functionality of this battery revolves around converting the energy released during the decay of isotopes into electricity, utilizing a process initially explored in the 20th century. The company asserts a breakthrough in making nuclear energy compact and applicable for various practical uses.
Technical Specifications
Zhang Wei, Chairman and CEO of Betavolt, revealed that the BV100 has 100 microwatts of power, 3 volts of voltage, and a compact volume measuring 15 x 15 x 5 cubic millimeters – smaller than your average coin. These nuclear batteries continuously generate electricity, producing 8.64 joules daily and 3,153 joules annually.
Applications and Future Plans
The potential for parallel and series use of multiple batteries opens up diverse applications, making them suitable for aerospace, AI equipment, medical devices, MEMS systems, advanced sensors, small drones, and micro-robots. Betavolt plans to launch a 1-watt battery by 2025, envisioning a future where atomic batteries could power mobile phones indefinitely and transform short-flight drones into continuous flyers.
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Safety and Environmental Concerns
Betavolt addresses concerns about radiation by emphasizing the safety of their batteries for medical devices within the human body, such as pacemakers and cochlear implants, with no external radiation. The company assures that the batteries are environmentally friendly, as the isotopes turn into a stable isotope of copper after the decay period, posing no environmental threat or pollution.
Atomic energy batteries are environmentally friendly. After the decay period, the 63 isotopes turn into a stable isotope of copper, which is non-radioactive and does not pose any environmental threat or pollution
the company
How it works
To create the nuclear battery, Betavolt’s scientists used nickel-63 as the energy source and diamond semiconductors as energy converters. The company claims that the advantages of its atomic energy batteries include their lightweight, long service life, and high energy density. They can operate under extreme temperatures ranging from -60 to 120 degrees Celsius, ensuring stable power generation in various scenarios.
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Betavolt’s achievement places China at the forefront of groundbreaking advancements in two high-tech domains – atomic energy batteries and fourth-generation diamond semiconductors. The startup’s development is well ahead of European and American scientific research institutions and enterprises.
The Future of Electronics
The unveiling of Betavolt’s nuclear battery opens up possibilities for a new era in electronics. The technology could revolutionize the industry by eliminating the need for chargers or portable power banks, creating devices that run continuously without battery degradation. Drones that fly always, phones that run constantly, and electric cars that don’t require recharging could become a reality, ushering in a new wave of energy storage and consumption innovation.
In conclusion, Betavolt’s nuclear battery marks a significant milestone in pursuing sustainable and long-lasting power sources, potentially reshaping the landscape of electronic devices for years to come. The company’s commitment to safety, environmental considerations, and technological innovation positions it as a key player in the global technological revolution.