Sodium Battery
Introductory Technical Note
Flexible and Reliable Energy Storage Systems
to Solve the Challenges of Dynamic Electricity
Sodium-nickel batteries enable an effective integration of energy components from conventional to
renewable sources to provide reliable, distributed storage and smart management of electrical power
from generation to end use.
Flexible and reliable distributed energy storage can reduce peak loads to enable the deferral of capital
expenditures associated with transmission and distribution. Further savings are realized through lower
distribution losses on peak periods. In addition, distributed energy storage systems can reduce carbon
footprints through more efficient use of renewable energy sources, and enhance electrical supply reliability
by providing local back-up power. They can also improve the management of power flow associated with the
growth of electric-powered vehicles and serve as “shock absorbers” within the grid to ensure high reliability
and reduce the risk of outages.
Sodium Batteries for Stationary Storage
The challenge with distributed energy storage is
identifying a technology capable of delivering the
required reliability, flexibility and affordability.
Fortunately, this technology already exists in the
form of sodium-nickel batteries. Sodium-nickel
technology is proven in the transportation sector,
is available today and promotes the
environmental objectives of many utilities.
Sodium-nickel technology offers:
+ High energy density
that is three times
better than conventional batteries
+ Immunity to ambient temperature conditions
via constant performance and service life in
harsh environments from -40° F to +140° F
+ Long calendar and cycle life of more than 15
years or 2,000 cycles at 80 percent DOD
+ Fast power response and long-term energy
delivery
+ Maintenance-free operation
+ Zero emissions
In addition, the raw materials required for the
technology are readily available, and no toxic or
dangerous materials are used during
manufacturing. The battery is fully recyclable with
existing infrastructures to produce stainless steel
and materials for road pavement.
The FIAMM SoNick Battery
The FIAMM SoNick battery is an electrochemical
storage system that uses sodium-nickel
technology to deliver safe, clean and reliable
energy storage.
The electrolyte is in molten state (NaAlCl4) and in
solid state, ߔalumina, which provides fast
transport of sodium ions and ensures the
electrical insulation between the anode and the
cathode. The chemistry is quite simple with no
side reactions and roundtrip efficiency
(charge/discharge) of up to 85 percent.
In the discharged state (when manufacturing) the
active materials in the FIAMM SoNick battery are
sodium chloride and metal powders (primarily
nickel). In the charged state (after first charge),
these materials are converted to sodium and
metal chlorides.
FIAMM Group · 1 Fiamm Way, Waynesboro, GA 30830 · Tel (706) 437-3220 · www.fiamm.com
The battery, which is comprised of a number of
cells, is built into a robust energy module that
integrates the control and communication unit.
The energy system is constructed using a number
of modules to provide the designed storage
capacity.
The energy modules can operate in parallel with a
master communication unit that manages the
system. The batteries can be sized to perform a
variety of functions.
The FIAMM SoNick batteries are based on the
existing operation of millions of cells in the most
demanding energy storage applications, including
road, rail and sea electric vehicles. This track
record, along with the high density, long cycle life
and other features, make sodium batteries the
ideal solution for flexible, reliable energy storage
to support smart management of electricity
power from generation to end users.
Heating elements
Cells
Intercell connectors
Battery Control Unit
Battery steel container
Thermal insulation
Cell steel container
Composition of the FIAMM SoNick sodium-nickel energy storage system.
About FIAMM SoNick
FIAMM SoNick is a joint venture between the FIAMM Group and MES-DEA established to increase adoption
of sodium-nickel batteries in stationary applications. The company benefits from more than 10 years
experience in sodium-nickel battery manufacturing and has the current capacity to produce 1,000,000
sodium nickel cells per annum. Based on projected market demand, the company plans to double
manufacturing capacity and is also evaluating U.S. production. FIAMM’s North American headquarters is
located in Waynesboro, Ga. For more information, visit www.fiammsonick.com.
Be sure to hear Nicola Cosciani, managing director of strategic
development, FIAMM Group, and co-CEO, FZ SoNick, presenting on
sodium-nickel batteries Thursday morning at 8:00 a.m. at the ESA
conference.
For more information on FIAMM SoNick, please visit Booth 7.
If you would like a private briefing, please contact Peter Thomas at
(614) 260 4300 or peter.thomas@fiamm.com.
FIAMM Group · 1 Fiamm Way, Waynesboro, GA 30830 · Tel (706) 437-3220 · www.fiamm.com