Saft introduces new 28 V lithium - ion battery for aviation

Saft, a subsidiary of TotalEnergies, launches innovative, smartnew lLi-ion battery for aviation.The 28-volt lithium-ionbattery is a game-changing development for the aviation industry in terms of weight saving, energy density,total cost of ownership and CO2emissions. The new Li-ion batterystoresover twice the energy in the same weight and one and a half times the energy in the same volumethan a lead acid battery.By switching to lithium-ion batteries, the total weight of a single aircraft could be reduced by 20 to 30 kilogramswith a positive impact on fuel consumption and CO2emissions. 

Annie Sennet,ExecutiveVP, Aerospace, Defense, and Performance division commented: “For over 25 years, Saft has had an extensive pedigree in applying Li-ion battery technology for some of the world’s most demanding and extreme applications such as satellites,spacecraft, motor racing,and defense. We have a long track record inproviding Li-ion technology foraviation with the Joint Strike Fighter (F-35) andother commercial programs. Our new lithium-ion battery for aviation utilizes all this expertise translating it into an innovative solution, long awaited by the industry, that offers a safe, cost-effective, high performance and weight-saving alternative to lead-acid technology.” 

Saft developed this new battery as a maintenance-free solutionbased on its own proprietary cell chemistry. Today, with over 20,000 units in the field operating within some of theharshestenvironments, each battery contains integrated smart capabilities to providereal-time battery health and statusinformation.In addition, the battery features an aerospace-grade MIL-Spec interface as well as the vent and case thatmeet the thermal runaway containment requirements of DO-311A1. 

As one of the few companies to own the entire processfrom design to productionof a battery,Saft can ensure thehighestlevel of safetyand performanceof its products andhas developed this new offering at its R&D facilities in Cockeysville, USA and Bordeaux, France. Saftwill manufacture and qualify the battery to the highest standards atone ofits existing aviation-certified facilities