As CATL obtained the patent for sodium-ion batteries. According to Qichacha’s information, the patent includes positive electrode plates, negative electrode plates, isolation membranes and electrolytes. So far, the first-generation sodium-ion battery has achieved an energy density of 160Wh/kg, which is currently the highest level in the world. "Zeng Yuqun, Chairman of CATL, said. On July 29, CATL used a 10-minute online press conference to unveil the "mystery" of its first-generation sodium-ion battery.
According to data released by Ningwang, the energy density of the first-generation sodium-ion battery cell can reach 160Wh/kg; after 15 minutes of charging at room temperature, the power can reach more than 80%; in a low temperature environment of -20 C, it has a discharge retention of more than 90% efficiency; the system integration efficiency can reach more than 80; the thermal stability far exceeds the national safety requirements
Overall, the energy density of the first-generation sodium-ion battery is slightly lower than that of lithium iron phosphate battery (180Wh). /kg), however, it has advantages in low-temperature performance and fast charging, especially in high-power application scenarios in alpine regions.
In addition, there is also a lithium-sodium hybrid battery pack at the CATL sodium-ion battery launch conference. For the first time, it is equipped with a lithium-ion battery and a sodium-ion battery in one battery pack, realizing the integrated hybrid use of lithium-sodium batteries. The lithium-sodium hybrid battery pack not only makes up for the current stage of sodium-ion batteries. The shortcomings in energy density also take advantage of high power and low-temperature performance. CATL uses AB battery system solutions to mix and use batteries of different material systems to achieve a 1 1 2 effect of complementing each other and breaking through the single battery material. The applicable boundary of the system expands more application scenarios.
AB battery system solution mainly uses the precise algorithm of the battery management system (BMS) to balance the control of different battery systems through the BMS. Voltage, temperature, and SOC (state of charge) are monitored and protected separately, and the SOH (state of health) of the entire battery system is adjusted according to the attenuation curves of different materials. The energy density of Ningwang's next-generation sodium-ion battery will exceed 200wh/kg. "The path to achieve breakthroughs in energy density is mainly by continuing to optimize cathode materials and conquering higher-capacity anode materials and related electrolyte systems. ”
Challenges and Opportunities
Sodium-ion batteries have many advantages: they have the characteristics of relatively low energy density, low cost, high safety, and rich resources. Its greatest significance is that batteries The supply of products and raw materials is diversified. Sodium-ion batteries are more suitable for energy storage. If you want to use them in power batteries for electric vehicles, the biggest competition comes from lithium iron phosphate.
The rival lithium iron phosphate is already mature. technology to solve the problems of low temperature and fast charging. Currently, the best energy density of lithium iron phosphate on the market can reach more than 200Wh/kg, and there is a trend of further marching towards 300Wh/kg, and the cost is expected to drop to 0.35 yuan/Wh.
“The safety of lithium iron phosphate is very good, and the supply of its raw materials is larger than that of ternary lithium, with a complete supply chain and large scale. So, these are also huge challenges for sodium-ion batteries. ”
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It is reported that Ningwang’s first-generation sodium-ion battery has begun commercial cooperation with car companies and energy storage customers, and will be formed in 2023 Sodium-ion battery industry chain.
The participation of leading companies in the battery industry in the research and development of sodium-ion batteries will greatly promote the research and development process of the entire industry, which will enable sodium-ion batteries and energy storage technology. "We hope to see Ningwang continue to innovate and develop in power battery technology and provide strong support for domestic new energy vehicles to overtake in corners!"