Jakarta, INTI - A Chinese startup company, Betavolt, created a mini nuclear-powered battery that the company claimed can provide electricity for 50 years without recharging or maintenance. The battery is named BV100.
The Beijing-based company says the BV100 is the first nuclear battery to successfully miniaturize atomic energy. The BV100 has nickel-63 isotope in a module measuring approximately 15x15x5 millimeters, or smaller than a coin.
Betavolt said the battery had entered the testing phase, and the company planned to mass-produce it for commercial usage, such as for mobile phones and drones.
"Betavolt’s atomic energy battery can meet the need for long-lasting power supply in a variety of scenarios, such as aerospace, AI equipment, medical equipment, microprocessors, advanced sensors, small drones, and microrobots," the company said, as quoted by The Independent. "This new energy innovation will help China lead the way in the next chapter of the AI technology revolution."
BV100 Can Produce More Energy, and It is Environmentally Friendly
Betavolt explained that its nuclear battery can produce 100 microwatts of power and 3V of voltage, measuring only 15x15x5 cubic millimeters. Due to its small size, this battery can be installed in large quantities to produce more energy.
In terms of durability, Betavolt claimed that this battery is not prone to fire or explosion. Moreover, this battery can operate at temperatures ranging from -60 to 120 degrees Celsius.
"The atomic energy battery developed by Betavolt is completely safe, does not have external radiation, and is suitable for use in medical devices such as pacemakers, artificial hearts, and cochleae in the human body," the company said.
"Atomic energy batteries are environmentally friendly. After a period of decay, the nickel-63 isotopes convert into stable, non-radioactive copper isotopes and pose no threat to or pollute the environment," it continued.
Nuclear-powered batteries are not actually new. Long before Betavolt, scientists in the Soviet Union and the United States had developed nuclear battery technology for use in spacecraft, underwater systems, and remote scientific stations. However, thermonuclear batteries were very expensive and super large in size.
Conclusion
Chinese company Betavolt created BV100 mini nuclear battery, which uses the nickel-63 isotope, and claimed it can generate electricity for up to 50 years without recharging. This ultra-small battery is intended for devices such as mobile phones, drones, medical devices, and sensors. It is claimed to be safe, resistant to extreme temperatures, and has the potential for mass production for commercial use.
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