Everlasting Energy Storage? Zhulong-1, the Nuclear Battery

By Max Yao,

Eaglebrook School, MA

The recent launch of nuclear battery Zhulong-1 in China presents a new milestone in the energy storage sector. Named after the torch dragon in mythology, Zhulong-1 is projected to work for over 100 years without recharging, thus providing a dependable, long-term power source for numerous applications.

High operational energy density and recharging capabilities have induced an excellent preference for lithium-ion batteries in consumer electronics and electric vehicles. However, these batteries typically degrade in performance after around 2 to 10 years of service, and their subsequent replacements prove to be an economic burden as well as an environmental hazard in terms of production and disposal. By contrast, a perfect design for a Zhulong-1 battery allows it to function for over a century, with maintenance-free power generation for the entire life cycle. Applications for which prosecutions are impossible, such as deep-space exploration or critical infrastructure in remote areas, provide unique design opportunities for this battery.

Developing a battery such as Zhulong-1 also implies an overriding challenge in harnessing energy from radioactive decay. In its traditional use, RTGs convert heat from decaying isotopes into electricity. There exist several problems, most of them relating to size and efficiency. The Zhulong-1 handles these two troubles favorably, using carbon-14 as its energy source. Carbon-14 is a carbon isotope that is weakly radioactive and has a half-life of 5730 years. Thus, according to theory, the service life of this battery could stretch for thousands of years, assured reliability since its application over such periods of the most significant breakthroughs with the Zhulong-1 is energy density and longevity. While lithium-ion batteries deteriorate with every charge and discharge cycle, the Zhulong-1 maintains power generation for decades. This is due to its utilization of radioactive half-life decay of carbon-14 for its function, assuring low levels of degradation within the battery's operational life. Such reliability is available for the first time, especially in missions to outer space, where replacing power sources is impractical.

Carbon-14 used in the core of the Zhulong Battery

Nevertheless, in addition to the stated benefits, there are several things the Zhulong-1 must contend with before wide adoption can be accomplished. For example, another hurdle is public perception and acceptance when it comes to nuclear-based technologies, with safety and radiation exposure concerns at their core. Public awareness of the safety precautions built into the design of the battery will be crucial. This will be complemented by securing regulatory approval and performing environmental assessments to meet international safety standards. The economics of synthetic diamond fabrication and radioactive material handling may be equally relevant. Solving these challenges will require a joint effort from scientists, industries, and policymakers to use this technology fully.

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