Skillman Researchers are deeply committed in studying the technology trends of the automotive, aerospace and train industries with the aim to depict the skills needs in the Transport Sector.
Recently, the Skillman consortium has identified an interesting emerging technology in the field of batteries, developed by Fiamm group, an italian company located in the outskirts of Vicenza.

Fiamm, after investing heavily in a study project for industrial application of sodium nickel chloride batteries, in collaboration with CNR, provides salt batteries, a zero-impact solution with amazing advantages from an ecological perspective.

Sodium Nickel Chloride Batteries use a molten sodium core, but instead uses the nickel as the positive electrode in the discharged state and nickel chloride in the charged state. Both forms of nickel electrode are insoluble in their liquid states and a sodium conducting beta alumina ceramic is used as the separator.

Today this option represents the most concrete and reliable solution for sectors in which traditional lead accumulators are not suitable.

Molten Salt Secondary Battery (FIAMM SoNick www.fiamm.com) by Rudolf Simon

Salt batteries have excellent functionality even at high temperatures and can be used for sustainable mobility in the car, truck and bus sector.

The demand for these accumulators is increasing every day, led by the institutions and administrations of large and small European, American metropolises which are increasingly choosing these accumulators for public transportation. The demand for private electric cars is also increasing at the same rate also in China with an expansion in environmental awareness. Indeed a car driven by a salt battery guarantees clean air, energy-saving, 100% recyclability, energy availability in any climate, zero maintenance in any environmental condition and a substantial reduction in running costs.

In order to improve the development of renewable energy sources and increase the energy efficiency FIAMM has also initiated several collaborations with a network of research institutes and universities, as e.g. the National Research Council (CNR) of Messina, the University of Rome La Sapienza and the University of Padua.
Young technicians and motivated managers are recruited through direct contacts with universities and the economic reality of the territory. In addition it was created the FIAMM University in collaboration with CUOA (University Centre of Business Administration) with a special master addressed to employees.