A high-temperature battery that uses molten sodium and sulfur as the active materials in its electrodes, separated by a solid beta-alumina electrolyte operating at around 300°C.
It addresses long-duration grid storage needs by providing a cost-effective solution for storing electricity over extended periods (up to several hours) at megawatt scale.
The sodium-sulfur (NAS) battery operates with molten sodium on one side of the solid electrolyte and molten sulfur on the other. During charging, sodium ions move from the negative electrode to the positive electrode through the electrolyte, while electrons flow externally. During discharging, this process is reversed, releasing electrical energy.
The manufacturing process involves creating the electrodes from molten sodium and sulfur, which are then sealed within a vacuum-insulated container. The solid beta-alumina electrolyte is carefully formed between these electrodes.
Components are assembled in an inert gas atmosphere to prevent oxidation of the reactive materials. The battery must be operated at high temperatures (around 300°C) to maintain the molten state of its components.
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