Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras, or IITM, are developing a mechanically rechargeable zinc-air battery as an alternative to lithium-ion batteries. These batteries will be used in electric vehicles. In addition to being economical compared to existing lithium-ion batteries, they also have a longer shelf life. Zinc-air batteries can be used in two wheelers and three wheelers.
“The technology is based on ‘battery swapping’ in which vehicle users can swap the zinc cassette of the battery with a fully charged zinc cassette at these zinc recharge stations.”
Researchers involved in this project are collaborating with major industries to develop these zinc-air batteries.
According to the release, the researchers are considering a separate ‘Zinc Recharge Station’ on the lines of petrol stations. Similar to current models of conventional vehicles that refuel at petrol stations, EVs users using zinc-air batteries can access these bunks whenever the battery runs out.
This doubles the capital investment in the case of lithium-ion batteries. Talking about the project, Dr. Arvind Kumar Chandran, Assistant Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering, IIT Madras said, – This is a great advantage of zinc-air battery as it is currently the only option available with lithium-ion battery. That the entire used battery pack would have to be removed and replaced with a full lithium-ion battery pack.
1) As per the proposed scheme, an EV user will have to spend only a few minutes at the ‘Zinc Recharge Stations’ to swap the ‘Zinc Cassette’, Speaking on the importance of the project, Mr. Kongara, a research scholar, IIT Madras said.
2) Are extremely safe, especially in an Indian context as it contains aqueous electrolyte and does not catch fire even in the worst case of an EVs accident.
3)Gunjan Kapadia, another Research Scholar working on Zinc-Air Battery and Lithium-Ion Battery Operational Safety at IIT Madras said, – Indigenously developed Zinc-Air Battery.
4) Zinc is widely available in India and will reduce the import of lithium-ion batteries.
5) Zinc is cheaper than lithium-ion batteries.
6) While lithium-ion batteries cost around dollar 200 to 250 per KW/hr, zinc-air batteries cost around dollar 150 per KW/hr. With widespread usage, the price is expected to fall below dollar 100 KW/hr.
7) Zinc-air batteries are also water based and have a longer shelf life. Zinc-air batteries have good turnaround efficiency.
