SolarSalt: Phase-change sodium-based battery for 24/7 renewable energy storage
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Date
2026-02-20
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
IEEE
Abstract
Conventional lithium-ion or high-temperature sodium batteries will not suffice for the growing demand for sustainable and efficient energy storage; research is expanding beyond these. SolarSalt achieves an energy density of ≈450Wh/kg, Coulombic efficiency above 98.5%, and a cycle life exceeding 2000 cycles at room temperature. Compared to lithium-ion batteries, it offers 40% lower kWh costs and improved safety, with no thermal runaway or dendrite formation. By also enhancing stability through HEA coating, which prevents corrosion and dendrite formation to improve the battery lifespan and efficiency, the coating is markedly beneficial. The innovation also offers a low-cost, high-density renewable energy storage alternative to provide uninterrupted power to solar and wind power systems at an appropriate power density. Other areas investigated are legal (such as intellectual property rights, safety certifications (UL, IEC, NFPA), environmental policies (EPA, REACH), and grid interconnection standards (IEEE 1547)). This paper proposes a blockchain-based energy certification system to provide transparency, compliance, and secure energy trading. Experimental results show that SolarSalt outperforms lithium-ion and conventional sodium batteries in terms of energy retention, safety, and cost-effectiveness. This research introduces a novel room-temperature, sodium-based SolarSalt battery that integrates liquid-solid phase change energy storage with HEA encapsulation and blockchain-enabled certification. The originality lies in uniting materials science, renewable energy storage, and digital compliance within a single scalable platform. This contribution advances both technical and regulatory dimensions of sustainable energy storage.
Description
This research contributes to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), and SDG 13 (Climate Action), by promoting inclusive and climate-resilient agricultural extension services. It also supports Uganda’s National Development Plan IV through strengthening agricultural productivity, knowledge integration, rural livelihoods, innovation, and sustainable community-based agricultural transformation.
Keywords
Technological innovation, Renewable energy, Sodium, Stability criteria, Power system stability, Batteries, Safety, Dendrites (neurons), Certification, Thermal stability
Citation
Roy, J., Badriddinovich, K. K., Bhuvaneshwari, K. S., Obidhusin, S., Thakur, D., & Ali, G. (2025, November). SolarSalt: Phase-change sodium-based battery for 24/7 renewable energy storage. In 2025 International Conference on Innovations and Emerging Technologies In AI & Communication Systems (IETACS) (pp. 1199-1204). IEEE.