CONCORDE LITHIUM-ION AIRCRAFT BATTERIES
Concorde Battery is developing a series of lithium-ion main aircraft batteries. The high power lithium-ion battery shows promise in new aircraft operating systems; delivering power with superior life, half the weight, and recharge in a fraction of the time it now takes for lead acid and nickel cadmium.
Concorde lithium-ion batteries for aircraft are based on the safest chemistry so far developed for lithium-ion technology. This features a cathode material of lithium iron phosphate which inhibits oxygen generation, one of the main causes of fire in lithium-ion batteries. This new generation of lithium-ion battery offer tremendous promise for the aircraft designer and user.
Lithium-ion is a low maintenance battery, an advantage that nickel based chemistries cannot claim. There is no memory and no scheduled cycling is required to prolong the battery's life. In addition, the self-discharge is less than half compared to nickel cadmium.
The lithium-ion main aircraft battery will not be a retrofit battery. In order to assure safe operation, the lithium-ion battery must be integrated into the control software and electronics of the aircraft system. Redundant safety systems built into the aircraft as well as into the battery are required to control the lithium-ion battery. With adequate protection systems and monitoring, the battery will provide reliable power for the aircraft of the future.
Advantages
High energy density potential for yet higher capacities.
Does not need prolonged priming when new. One regular charge is all that's needed.
Relatively low self-discharge - self-discharge is less than half that of nickel-based batteries.
Low Maintenance - no periodic discharge is needed; there is no memory.
Specialty cells can provide very high current.
Limitations
Requires protection circuit to maintain voltage and current within safe limits. Protection circuitry involves both additional hardware and software.
On aircraft battery monitoring and alarms will be required for safe operation.
Subject to aging, even if not in use - storage in a cool place at 40% charge reduces the aging effect.
Transportation restrictions - shipment of larger batteries may be subject to regulatory control.
Expensive to manufacture - about 40 percent higher in cost than nickel-cadmium.
Not a fully mature chemistry - metals and chemicals are changing on a continuing basis.
Extremely flammable electrolyte.
Concorde is working closely with the FAA to develop a standard for the certification of lithium-ion batteries in aircraft systems. Concorde is ready to assist aircraft designers to meet their energy needs by matching the battery system to the requirements.
For assistance in the selection of a lithium-ion battery tailored to your system requirements, contact Concorde Battery Engineering at engineering@concordebattery.com.
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