The article Natrium as an e-fuel: New fuel cell should electrify aviation first appeared at the online magazine Basic Thinking. You can start the day well every morning via our newsletter update.
Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (with) have developed a new type of fuel cell that uses sodium as a fuel. It should deliver significantly more electricity than batteries and enable more sustainable aviation.
Batteries are heavy, mostly relatively slowly rechargeable and often too weak for a use in heaven. This represents a real problem when companies want to operate aircraft, ships or trains electrically. But researchers of the MIT and other US institutions have apparently found a solution: one New type of battery fuel cell for aircraft based on liquid sodium.
It should be able to deliver three times as much energy per kilogram as current e-car batteries. In contrast to classic batteries that require regular charging, the fuel cell is operated with liquid sodium metal and air. The oxygen from the air reacts in the cell with the sodium. This creates electricity. Between the two “halves” there is a solid, ceramic electrolyte through which the sodium ions move.
Sodium fuel cell as a battery for aircraft
The great advantage of this new fuel cell battery is your energy density. While lithium-ion batteries deliver a maximum of 300 watt hours per kilogram, the current prototype of the MIC of 1,500 watt hours per kilogram in tests and over 1,000 watt hours per kilogram achieved the system level.
This is exactly the limit that is necessary for electrical regional flights. Because this could make 80 percent of today’s domestic flights emission -free. The exhaust gases of the fuel cell are not only CO2-free, but even bind CO2 from the air. As a by -product, soda hydroxide is created, the CO2 converted into sodium bicarbonate (soda).
The system should also be more secure than batteries, since only one side of the reaction (air) is constantly available. This reduces the risk of explosions in the event of accidents. In addition, the cells can be interchangeable by can be filled up like a gas bottle.
Still in the test phase – but ready to series series
The battery fuel cell of the with a laboratory prototype is still. A “brick” with 1,000 watt hours will soon go into production. That would be enough for a big drone. However, the technology wants to bring the technology to market maturity.
Another advantage: sodium, which is to be used as a fuel of the cell, is available almost everywhere – for example in normal table salt. Unlike lithium, it does not require expensive or environmentally harmful mining methods. This has this sodium burning cell for aircraft the potential to change air traffic sustainably.
Also interesting:
- Lithium iron phosphate batteries: This is how LFP batteries work
- The most stubborn solar myths-and what is about them
- The energy consumption of Chatgpt: per day, per month – and per year
- Dismantling, transition technology, danger: wind power claims in check
The article Natrium as an e-fuel: New fuel cell should electrify aviation first appeared on basic thinking. Follow us too Google News and Flipboard Or subscribe to our update newsletter.
As a Tech Industry expert, I believe that the use of sodium as an e-fuel in fuel cells for aviation is a promising development that could revolutionize the industry. Sodium has the potential to provide a high energy density, making it a viable alternative to traditional fossil fuels. Additionally, sodium is abundant and widely available, reducing concerns about resource scarcity.
The electronization of aviation through the use of sodium as an e-fuel could significantly reduce carbon emissions and environmental impact associated with traditional aviation fuels. This could help the industry meet sustainability goals and contribute to global efforts to combat climate change.
However, there are likely challenges that need to be addressed, such as the development of efficient and cost-effective fuel cell technology that can effectively harness the energy from sodium. Additionally, safety considerations will need to be thoroughly evaluated to ensure that the use of sodium as an e-fuel does not pose any risks to aircraft or passengers.
Overall, I believe that the potential benefits of using sodium as an e-fuel in aviation are significant, and further research and development in this area could lead to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future for the industry.
Credits