NSTDA has an alternative battery factory. This is a step towards future energy security. The factory can produce 1 megawatt hours per year. Private test kits will be sent to the private lab to see if they are suitable for actual use.
Over the last several decades, lithium ion batteries have gained in popularity. Both are used in electronic devices and electrical appliances. However, Thailand does not have sufficient lithium resources. Not able to import from abroad. Also, there is a shortage of lithium in the world, which results in high prices and flammable batteries. Not environmentally friendly
- Aim to achieve energy security
Siwarak Siwamoktham, Director of Technology Center for National Security and Commercial Applications(NSD), National Science and Technology Development Agencys (NSTDA), gave an exclusive interview. “Krungthep Turakij”, a representative of the Technology Center for National Security and Commercial Applications (NSD), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), revealed that the center is aware about these limitations due to lithium-ion battery technology. Thailand’s energy security may be at risk in an emergency situation or war, especially if it is not normal.
“Lithium ore is the main raw material. It is a rare and very limited mineral. To create a storage system to store electricity from renewable sources, including the production and use of electric vehicles, could lead to a shortage of resources.
There is also the issue of how to manage lithium batteries after their service life ends. That contain harmful and environmentally unfriendly substances, or a combination of them. If there is a lot of these batteries left over, it could lead to toxic substances being released into the environment.” said Siwarak Director.
NSTDA supports battery development from alternatives materials that are safe and have domestic resources. as well as the establishment of ” A prototype facility for research on alternative battery materials with high stability” or ABS at the Eastern Economic Corridor Innovation Zone (EECi), Wang Chan Valley in Rayong Province.
The prototype factory covers an area of 732.4 meters and has knowledgeable personnel. It is Southeast Asia’s only integrated research-and-development infrastructure for alternative batteries. It is certified under ISO 9001 quality management standards and conducts safety testing on battery products. TIS 2217-2548
It is currently being constructed and installed research tools and production line machinery. It is expected to be complete by 2022.
The country’s infrastructure will serve as the initial service model. Joint research and development will also be used to expand the prototype battery products and energy storage devices made from domestic raw materials at pilot scale.
Together with other sectors including the public and private sectors, we can consult, formulate and develop batteries and related products including supercapacitors. (Supercapacitor), product testing, training and manufacturing processes. Technology transfer to the private sector for new industries
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Search for alternative lithium raw materials.
Siwarak stated that the NSD center is currently developing and researching a new battery. It’s based on the availability of raw materials resources in many countries. This is conducive for commercial production. It is also safe, and it is environmentally friendly.
Current operations include the production of zinc-ion batteries with Chulalongkorn University. Sodium ion batteries in collaboration with Khon Kaen University Potassium ion batteries in cooperation with Vidyasirimedhi Institute’s (VISTEC) supercapacitor tech. Supercapacitor and energy storage systems made from agricultural waste.
In 2023, the prototype plant will produce the zinc-ion battery. This research project uses graphene technology in order to improve charge efficiency. It is an interesting new type of battery, both in terms of stability and safety. Because it’s environmentally friendly. Nearly all of them can easily be recycled.
Zinc is also a cheap mineral. It is rare to find it in Thailand, where the amount of zinc used is over 4 million tons. It is non-explosive and flammable, making it suitable for energy storage systems. However, it does have a drawback in terms of a lower performance than lithium-ion batteries as well as weighing more.
This type of battery is ideal for devices that require high security. Equipment that cannot be moved such as military equipment oil-rig, floating buoys and transmission towers, as well as stationary backup power system electric grid system, including energy sources for homes like the Energy Wall.
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A good option for the future is to lift the battery, zinc.
If it is widely used, it may turn out that the cost to produce a zinc-ion battery will be less than the price of a lithium ion one.
We are always looking for alternatives to battery power. This battery is also a great choice for the future. Technology imports from overseas can be reduced. Thailand’s energy security will be improved and economic opportunities will increase. This is a challenge and an opportunity to create a ” new industry” for Thailand.
Graphene technology is used to increase the efficiency of sodium ion batteries. This is because sodium ions are cheaper than lithium ions. It has high energy density. It charges quickly and works well in low temperatures
It is also highly secure. It can be used in electric vehicles and renewable power storage systems. These are the best battery options with the best market prospects and most attractive. China is the largest producer and commercialization of these batteries is expected within 1-2 years.
This is also true for potassium-ion batteries. Both sodium chloride (NaCl), and potassium chloride (NaCl), are both raw materials that have similar properties to lithium. It can be used to make batteries.
Based on preliminary estimates of mineral resources, Thailand is home to more than 407 billion tonnes of potash. This makes it the largest potash reserve in Asia.