Currently used lithium batteries have a lifespan of around 10 years. Previously, Sharp of Japan, in collaboration with Professor Isao Tanaka of Kyoto University, successfully developed a lithium-ion battery with a lifespan of up to 70 years. This newly developed long-life lithium-ion battery has a volume of 8 cubic centimeters and utilizes the latest computer-based simulation technology to optimize the material combination used in the positive electrode, including iron and silicon.
The results of this experiment show that the new long-life lithium-ion battery can withstand 25,000 charge-discharge cycles. If calculated based on one charge-discharge cycle per day, its lifespan could reach up to 70 years. Furthermore, Sharp stated that its performance remained stable even after 10,000 actual charge-discharge cycles. Based on this calculation, the lifespan of such a lithium-ion battery would be six times that of previous models. Moreover, if used in conjunction with renewable energy generation systems, the battery could continue to function even after the solar panels and wind turbines are replaced.
Researchers plan to apply this long-life lithium-ion battery to wind and solar power generation as a large-scale storage battery. Currently, wind and solar power generation is affected by weather, and power output fluctuates constantly. Using a storage battery can ensure stable output and reduce the impact on the power grid. Frequent battery replacements are a significant factor driving up power generation costs. Applying this lithium-ion battery, with a lifespan of up to 70 years, to these applications would greatly reduce power generation costs.
