In China, a startup named Betavolt has unveiled a revolutionary battery, asserting its capability to produce electricity for 50 years without requiring charging or maintenance.
Chinese startup, Betavolt, launches a nuclear battery claiming 50 years of maintenance-free electricity, challenging conventions with its miniaturization of atomic energy
In China, a startup named Betavolt has unveiled a revolutionary battery, asserting its capability to produce electricity for 50 years without requiring charging or maintenance.
According to The Independent, this innovation is a nuclear battery that has successfully integrated 63 isotopes into a module smaller than a coin. Betavolt claims that it is the world's first battery to achieve the miniaturization of atomic energy, challenging traditional notions associated with nuclear technology.
The battery's technology operates by transforming the energy generated through the decay of isotopes into electrical power. The startup has commenced preliminary testing and aims to scale up production of the battery for widespread use in commercial devices like smartphones and devices.
The startup said in a press release, "Betavolt atomic energy batteries can meet the needs of long-lasting power supply in multiple scenarios, such as aerospace, AI equipment, medical equipment, microprocessors, advanced sensors, small drones, and micro-robots."
Utilizing a layered design, the battery is engineered to mitigate the risk of catching fire or exploding under abrupt force, as asserted by Betavolt. The company also states that the battery demonstrates resilience in operating within a temperature range spanning from -60 degrees Celsius to 120 degrees Celsius.
The battery's dimensions are 15 x 15 x 5 millimeters, constructed from thin layers of nuclear isotopes and diamond semiconductors. Presently, the nuclear battery produces 100 microwatts of power at 3 volts. The objective is to achieve a power output of 1 watt by the year 2025.
While concerns about radiation often accompany nuclear energy, Betavolt seeks to allay such fears by asserting the safety of its battery, assuring users of its lack of external radiation. Following the decay period, the 63 isotopes within the battery undergo a transformation into a stable, non-radioactive isotope of copper, eliminating any environmental threats.