A novel nuclear battery with a 50-year operational lifespan has been introduced by Betavolt New Energy Technology Co Ltd, a Chinese tech business. Utilizing diamond semiconductors and the radioactive isotope nickel-63, the company’s initial product, the BV100 battery is a small, modular, and affordable atomic energy source. The BV100 is smaller than a regular coin, with a tiny dimension of 15x15x5 cubic millimeters and a power output of 100 microwatts at a voltage of three volts.
Atomic or radioactive isotope batteries, also referred to as nuclear batteries, use the energy produced as nuclear isotopes decay to produce power. Compared to conventional lithium batteries, these nuclear batteries have an energy density that is more than ten times higher. Most remarkably, they are quite safe; even after being pierced or fired at, they do not catch fire or explode. The temperature range in which these batteries operate is rather wide, ranging from -60°C to 120°C.
The CEO of Betavolt, Zhang Wei, claims that the BV100 nuclear battery is designed to deliver a consistent power output for an amazing 50 years without the need for maintenance or refilling. Notably, it doesn’t release any radiation into space. These batteries are expected to meet the long-term power requirements of a wide range of applications, such as sensors, tiny drones, micro-robots, medical equipment, artificial intelligence devices, aircraft, and microelectromechanical systems, once they are released onto the market. Future drones could be able to work constantly without needing to return for recharging, and phones with nuclear batteries might not even need to be recharged if the power output can be increased.
Zhang reported that the business is actively working with local colleges to use deuterium, promethium-147, and strontium-90 isotopes to create higher-power batteries. The objective of this cooperative endeavor is to enhance the potential of nuclear batteries for a variety of technological uses.
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