Performance Advantages

Energy storage is evolving to require longer duration storage – batteries that can supply power for more than a few hours.  Longer storage enables better utilization of renewables by providing power during long periods without sun or wind; electrifying buildings during extended power outages and enabling more efficient peak shifting by storing inexpensive electricity generated at night to be used during peak hours. 

Lithium-ion batteries are good at daily cycling for bill management opportunities, but they can’t economically run long enough to guarantee multi-day power backup.  Zinc can do both, and is cost effective, with scalable duration’s from 3 to 72 hours.

Zinc batteries are capable of long cycle life, high specific energy, and power, along with maintenance-free operation. These capabilities allow zinc batteries to support a wide range of demanding commercial and industrial applications. Nickel-zinc batteries achieve the highest power density of mainstream rechargeable battery chemistries.

The average life of zinc batteries is almost 20 years (based on normal applications and usage).  This is up to 25%+ more than lithium batteries under the same conditions. Longer service life lowers the total ownership cost through reduced maintenance, replacement costs, and more reliable performance.

Technologies vary – but in energy storage applications zinc batteries will have calendar life of almost 20 years, compared to ~12 years for lithium-ion.  NiZn batteries are more focused on short duration power supply – such as for data centers or traffic lights.  In these applications NiZn batteries have cycle life similar to Li-ion.  Zinc batteries do not sulfate, leading to significantly longer shelf life and less deterioration of performance late in life.

Zinc Batteries have a wide operating temperature range (-30C to 75C), significantly better than most other battery chemistries.  They are also lower maintenance, requiring almost no upkeep to maintain performance and safety.  And because they contain no hazardous materials or sulfation, there is no requirement for continuous monitoring for cell balance and safety while charging, as is common with other batteries.