The end of Lithium?

[bobmac]

The first sodium-ion power bank now available.


Will it replace lithium???
It will have to come down in price a lot and shrink but it will certainly be something to watch

 

[Hobbit]

From what I remember, the issue with sodium-ion batteries is power ‘v’ size. In every other aspect sodium-ion wins hands down. Quite what physical size of battery that would be needed for a PowaKaddy, I don’t know. If it fits, lithium-ion will be dead.

 

[bobmac]

That's what I've seen too, not as powerfull as lithium but lighter so less power needed.

 

[KenL]

Are they a fire risk or safer?

 

[Hobbit]

Are they a fire risk or safer?

There’s no risk of thermal runaway with sodium-ion but like anything electrical, there’s a risk of fire.

 

[bobmac]

''Na-ion batteries could be a safer alternative because they contain more stable cathode materials and sodium ions have less electrochemical potential than lithium ions, making them less prone to thermal runaway.''

 

[Arthur Wedge]

The quick answer is no it won’t replace lithium totally but can be used in some areas instead of lithium

 

[Bunkermagnet]

What are the costs of the new chargers that would be required for another new battery tech? Thats my first thought.

 

[KenL]

What are the costs of the new chargers that would be required for another new battery tech? Thats my first thought.

Or, could the charger you already have still be used?

 

[Bunkermagnet]

Or, could the charger you already have still be used?

If by miracle of miracles, yes.
But since each battery tech has needed its own new charger for its differing way of working and charging (lead acid, nicad, lithium ion) I wouldn't be holding my breath.

 

[Lord Tyrion]

If by miracle of miracles, yes.
But since each battery tech has needed its own new charger for its differing way of working and charging (lead acid, nicad, lithium ion) I wouldn't be holding my breath.

No doubt they'll even have a different method of connection

 

[Oddsocks]

No doubt they'll even have a different method of connection

Surely a form of adaptor would be cheaper than an all new charger? It would also encourage people to opt for sodium over lithium if replacing

 

[hors limite]

There is a Youtube "Just Have a Think" which looks at all things renewable technology including batteries - interesting stuff.

 

[Lord Tyrion]

Surely a form of adaptor would be cheaper than an all new charger? It would also encourage people to opt for sodium over lithium if replacing

I was meaning the actual connection. History has shown that individual mfrs make their own decisions rather than collectively come to a joint one. Phones, electric cars. Both recent examples of a collective failure by mfrs to have a uniform connection.

 

[doublebogey7]

Surely a form of adaptor would be cheaper than an all new charger? It would also encourage people to opt for sodium over lithium if replacing

I am no expert in battery technology, but I guess much will depend on the type of battery management system required within the charger for the two different technologies.

 

[jim8flog]

Surely a form of adaptor would be cheaper than an all new charger? It would also encourage people to opt for sodium over lithium if replacing

As already said in a way.

It is about the electronics in a battery charger. They are designed to work differently
e.g. charger for a lead acid battery might look the same as one for a lithium battery however the former goes in to standby/float mode when fully charged and keeps restarting if needed, a charger for latter will (or should) switch off when the battery is fully charged.

 

[doublebogey7]

As already said in a way.

It is about the electronics in a battery charger. They are designed to work differently
e.g. charger for a lead acid battery might look the same as one for a lithium battery however the former goes in to standby/float mode when fully charged and keeps restarting if needed, a charger for latter will (or should) switch off when the battery is fully charged.

As I said I am no expert, thanks for the clarification.