Comment by antisthenes
2 days ago
> If the cost for sodium batteries is similar to LFP, that alone would be a reason to switch.
Why would that be a reason to switch, given the LFP batteries typically have better operational parameters in everything except cold-weather charging?
My interpretation of TwiztidK's comment is that they could save the cost of that .5–2 MW power draw by switching to a battery chemistry with looser temperature requirements.
Thank you, I was confused as well. This makes sense. Similar fixed cost and much lower/negligible variable cost.
Cost of replacement? Cost of insurance against a fire? Cold weather performance may also be quite important, and not only somewhere in Alaska, but even in places like Dallas, that are hot in summer but cold during winter nights.
> in places like Dallas, that are hot in summer but cold during winter nights.
In this case I’d suggest underground installation. Use the Earth as an insulator and heat sink. Temperatures underground are a lot more stable and predictable.