Saft (SAFT.PA), the French battery supplier with US headquarters in Maryland, recently won an award from Boeing to supply Li-ion batteries, using the same electrochemistry as their cells for automotive applications, for the Mobile Satellite Ventures Satellite program. The multi-million dollar contract will mark Saft’s largest U.S. commercial satellite contract for Li-ion batteries and the first commercial satellite program using Li-ion technology for Boeing. The satellites will be among the largest and most powerful ever built and will be provided to Mobile Satellite Ventures (MSV) for an advanced commercial telecommunications network.
Li-ion cells will provide a compact, weight-saving source power to ensure continuous operation of the satellites at times when their solar panels are not in view of the sun. The cells differ from Li-ion cells used in consumer electronics in that they must endure more charge/discharge cycles than commercial cells. These cells are based on the same electrochemistry as Saft's Li-ion cells for automotive applications and must deliver reliable reserve power for 18 years.
These Li-ion batteries allow a significant decrease the satellite’s weight compared to the previously used nickel-hydrogen batteries. This approximately 30% to 50% weight savings on the batteries results from a specific energy of 120 Wh/kg and allows the satellite manufacturer and user to dedicate more of the satellite’s crucial mass to the payload. Each spacecraft will supply 11,000 W of power.
"Li-ion is the ideal battery technology for space applications due to its superior performance and light weight. We believe this award strengthens Saft's position as a leading supplier of Li-ion battery systems for the U.S. space market."said John Searle, Saft CEO.
This is really a reversal of the usual way that technology morphs—earthbound transportation technology being used in a space. It is also interesting that Boeing chose Saft rather than a U.S. Company. Saft has been in the business longer than any of the U.S. Lithium-ion battery companies and they are going with a more tried and true technology.
Resources:
Saft Chosen by Boeing to Provide Lithium-ion Battery for two GEO-Mobile Satellite Ventures. Saft press release, July 5, 2006
www.saftbatteries.com
www.boeing.com
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