Saft Displays the State of the Art in Aircraft Battery Technology
02 June 2003 14:24
Saft, the battery company, is using this year’s Paris Air Show to illustrate how 80 years of experience have combined with state of the art technology to create a range of batteries which are ideally suited to the most demanding aircraft applications including engine starting and electrical systems back-up. Battery ranges on display at Alcatel booth 352 will include the new rechargeable nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries based on Saft’s ULM (Ultra Low Maintenance) technology, which is already in service in well over 6000 new generation aircraft, together with advanced lithium-ion (Li-ion) technology.
ULM BATTERIES
Saft ‘s new aircraft batteries are based on Ultra Low Maintenance (ULM ) technology designed to reduce life-cycle cost, without compromising safety, performance or reliability. They can allow up to a full year of operation without maintenance while providing a high-performance on-board battery with excellent power and higher energy density.
The key to the ULM technology’s improved performance and life cycle cost is its plastic bonded negative electrode (PBE). This reduces battery water consumption by reducing the current drawn during overcharge. The non-sintered negative plate weighs less and provides better energy density. At the same time, the ULM design features an enhanced sintered positive electrode to increase charge efficiency. All of these features mean less frequent topping up and maintenance checks.
Saft ULM batteries are ideal for both new installations and for upgrades since they are directly interchangeable with standard products in form, fit and function. They can easily be retrofitted to most aircraft without costly airframe modifications and there is usually no change required in the electrical systems or maintenance procedures.
Saft’s ULM technology is becoming established as the standard for Ni-Cd aviation batteries requiring extended maintenance intervals, and since its launch in 1995 over 6000 ULM technology batteries have been put into service by both large and small aircraft operators as well as the major aircraft manufacturers. Current applications include Airbus A330/A340/A380, Boeing 737/747/767, Bombardier Global Express, Cessna Citation 550/560/ 650/750, Embraer ERJ 135/140/145/AL-X, Eurocopter EC120/EC145/NH 90, Gulfstream G-V or Saab 340.
SUPER-HIGH POWER Li-ion
Saft is leading the way in the development of super-high-power lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries adapted for aerospace applications. The key advantage of these new batteries are their high energy density and high power density which facilitate the design of a lightweight battery system which could save over 50 percent of the weight of an equivalent Ni-Cd battery.
Saft Li-ion battery technology has demonstrated a cycle life equivalent to Ni-Cd batteries, confirming its suitability for aviation applications. Combined with a sealed maintenance-free design requiring no topping up and no gas emissions they can therefore offer a low life cycle cost over the whole life of the aircraft. Another advantage of Li-ion technology versus Ni-Cd is the direct relationship between the OCV (open circuit voltage) and the battery’s state of charge.
Even though Li-ion technology is new to aircraft applications it is already well proven by Saft in numerous space vehicle and satellite applications as well as various general electric power storage and propulsion applications. Li-ion batteries are proving of particular interest for use in the development of the most advanced aircraft and UAVs where weight is critical to the mission and/or the operational cost.
For more information on this company:
Saft, Industrial Batteries Group - Aircraft Batteries
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