How do Zebra batteries work?

ZEBRA batteries use plain salt and nickel as the raw material for their electrodes in combination with a ceramic electrolyte and a molten salt. This combination provides a battery system related specific energy of 120 Wh/kg and a specific power of 180 W/kg.

What is a zebra battery?

The ZEBRA battery is a type of rechargeable molten salt battery based on commonly available and low-cost materials – primarily nickel metal, the sodium and chloride from conventional table salt, as well beta-alumina solid electrolyte. It is technically known as the sodium–nickel–chloride battery, and sometimes as a sodium–metal–halide battery.

Are Zebra batteries cell failure tolerant?

The ZEBRA battery is cell failure tolerant. It has been established that 5–10% of cells may fail before the battery can no longer be used. The battery controller detects this and adjusts all operative parameters.

How much energy does a zebra battery use?

Existing SAFT LiIon EV modules have a specific energy of 110Wh/kg. The Zebra battery will withstand at least 1,000 100% DOD charge/ discharge cycles including any type of partial charge/recharge and is also marketed by Rolls-Royce for demanding marine applications, including stand-by power in military submarines and surface vessels.

Does a zebra battery have an energy penalty?

While the battery is being used, this causes no energy penalty since the internal resistance of the Zebra battery coverts resistive losses to heat with 100% efficiency. All batteries have internal resistance and in all batteries, this internally generated heat has to be removed by a cooling system to prevent overheating.

Can Zebra batteries be used for hybrid vehicles?

Electric and hybrid vehicles equipped with ZEBRA batteries. The present generation of ZEBRA batteries is not applicable for hybrid vehicles that have a small battery of about 3 kW h but high power up to 60 kW (a power to energy ratio of 15–20). Recently also prototypes for stationary applications have been designed.