Product category: Batteries and Chargers
News Release from: ABSL Power Solutions | Subject: Lithium-ion batteries
Edited by the Electronicstalk Editorial Team on 19 February 2004
Space age power
for British armed forces
The lightweight battery technology set to power Britain's Bowman battlefield communications system is now being put through its paces in space
Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, supplied by AEA Battery Systems, are currently powering the European Space Agency's Mars Express orbiter in its ongoing mission to look for evidence of life on Mars. Initial results have revealed the presence of water at Mars' south pole. AEA's batteries provide power to Mars Express when it is hidden from the sun and supports peak power demands.
This article was originally published on Electronicstalk on 19 February 2004 at 8.00am (UK)
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At other times solar power is used to operate the craft and recharge the batteries.
The ability to operate in such harsh environments, and particularly extreme temperatures, is one of the key reasons why AEA's battery technology was selected for Bowman.
AEA's lithium-ion batteries can operate effectively in temperatures ranging from -40 to +70C - other rechargeable technologies such as nickel cadmium do not operate effectively below 0C.
In addition AEA's lithium-ion batteries are just one-third the size and weight of other rechargeable batteries, another important factor in their choice for both Bowman and the Mars Express mission.
AEA's batteries have a number of other benefits for high performance military applications such as Bowman.
They can be recharged over 1000 times - four times more often than NiCd batteries and have reliable fuel gauging, optimised charge and discharge regimes, plus battery history monitoring to help maximise battery life.
Dave Loughborough, Managing Director of AEA Battery Systems says: "The benefits of our batteries are currently being exploited by the British Armed Forces as part of the Bowman trials.
Both Bowman and Mars Express are further examples of AEA's pioneering work in delivering superior portable power solutions which perform in the most hostile environments.
Our expertise and reliability has led to us being awarded contracts for lithium-ion batteries on over 30 spacecraft - more than any other company".
AEA Battery Systems is the sole supplier of batteries, chargers and portable power advice for the UK MOD's Bowman battlefield communications system.
Bowman is currently undergoing field trials and is due to enter full service later this year.
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