Nuclear battery produces power for 50 years without needing to charge
Betavolt, a Chinese startup, has developed the Betavolt BV100, an innovative nuclear battery delivering a constant 3V/100 microwatts for over 50 years without recharging. Measuring just 15x15x5 mm, this represents a significant advancement in atomic energy miniaturization. Despite its small output, Betavolt plans to scale up to a 1-watt battery by 2025, potentially revolutionizing power supply for devices like smartphones and drones.
The BV100 uses radioactive nickel-63 with a 100-year half-life, generating electricity through decay into non-radioactive copper. The battery's design ensures safety by securely encasing the radioactive material, with minimal external hazard due to nickel-63's limited range in air and water. This technology echoes early betavoltaic batteries used in space programs, showcasing progress in power density and safety.
How could the innovative Betavolt BV100 nuclear battery potentially benefit consumers, and do you envision it being widely adopted for everyday use in small devices?
More information:
https://www.independent.co.uk/tech/nuclear-battery-betavolt-atomic-china-b2476979.html
The Independent
Nuclear battery could give us smartphones that never need to charge
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1 Reply
This has been viral for the last two days. Hopefully it's not like the room temperature superconductor we heard earlier.