What are some application cases of tungsten products in the energy field?

　　Tungsten products have numerous applications in the energy sector. Details are provided below:

　　1. Nuclear Energy: In nuclear fusion reactors, such as the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project, tungsten is considered a candidate material for the first wall and divertor. This is due to tungsten's high melting point (3422℃), high strength, low evaporation rate, non-radioactivity, good ductility, erosion resistance, and impact resistance. These properties enable it to withstand the extreme high temperatures of the plasma (up to 1.8 billion degrees Fahrenheit) in nuclear fusion reactions, ensuring the stable operation of the reactor. Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have successfully printed defect-free tungsten components with complex geometries using electron beam powder bed fusion (EB-PBF) technology, providing strong support for the development of nuclear fusion energy technology.

　　2. Solar Energy: In solar photovoltaic power generation, tungsten wire is used for silicon wafer cutting. In wire saw technology, high-strength tungsten wires with diameters less than 0.1 mm can achieve high-precision silicon wafer cutting, improving silicon wafer utilization, helping to reduce the production cost of solar cells, and enhancing the efficiency and economy of solar power generation.

　　3. Lithium-ion Batteries:

　　At the "2018 Yokohama Human-Vehicle Technology Exhibition," Toshiba showcased a negative electrode material produced using ultrafine purple tungsten oxide powder, enabling ultra-fast charging of lithium-ion batteries. This battery boasts high energy density, long lifespan, and good safety, making it suitable for applications in automobiles, micro/mild hybrid trains, elevators, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), and high-current power supplies.

　　Nyobolt, a UK battery startup, showcased a concept electric vehicle based on the Lotus Elise, utilizing a novel niobium tungsten oxide battery technology that allows for charging in just 6 minutes. Niobium tungsten oxide, as a lithium-ion battery anode material, offers high capacity, long cycle life, good rate performance, and environmental friendliness. Its electrochemical performance is closely related to its crystal structure and tunnel size.

　　4. Other Areas: Tungsten oxide-based nanomaterials can be used to construct electrochromic devices. In buildings, electrochromic smart windows utilize the properties of tungsten oxide to control sunlight intensity and heat transmission by altering transmittance. This effectively saves energy and reduces building energy consumption, which accounts for approximately 40% of global energy consumption.