Battery maker Saft has launched a 28V lithium-ion battery for aviation. It claims the battery stores over twice the energy in the same weight and one and a half times the energy in the same volume than a lead-acid battery.
By switching to lithium-ion batteries, the total weight of a single aircraft could be reduced by 20–30kg, cutting fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, it said.
Saft developed this new battery as a maintenance-free solution based on its proprietary cell chemistry. It has more than 20,000 units operating, also in harsh environments.
Each battery contains integrated smart capabilities to provide real-time battery health and status information. In addition, the battery features an aerospace-grade MIL-Spec interface as well as the vent and case that meet the thermal runaway containment requirements of DO-311A.
It said these are minimum operational performance standards for rechargeable lithium batteries and battery systems permanently installed on aircraft. The standard is published by the Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics (RTCA).
Saft has developed the battery at its R&D facilities in Cockeysville, US and Bordeaux, France. It will manufacture and qualify the battery at one of its existing aviation-certified facilities. It lists applications as back-up and engine starting for business jets and helicopters.
