Product category: Batteries and Chargers
News Release from: Saft Lithium Battery Division | Subject: Lithium-ion batteries
Edited by the Electronicstalk Editorial Team on 08 February 2000
Saft batteries play key role in SunShark
success
Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries help propel budget conscious solar electric car to third place in the World Solar Challenge
The University of Queensland SunShark Solar Racing Team achieved a remarkable third place in last year's World Solar Challenge (a 3010 kilometre endurance race across Australia) with the help of Saft's high performance, lightweight rechargeable lithium-ion batteries The on-board batteries are used to store solar energy to power the car during low light conditions as well as providing a boost in power for climbing hills
This article was originally published on Electronicstalk on 23 Jul 2003 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
Cells boost handheld computer operating time
The new Microport Colibri ruggedised, pen-operated handheld computer is powered by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries which provide up to 5h of operating time between charges.
Rechargeable batteries aid mobile medics
Saft's rechargeable MP lithium-ion batteries are now standard on the newest infusion warmers manufactured by Biegler Medical Electronics for emergency applications.
The Li-ion technology's combination of very high energy density and suitability for use with solar charging equipment makes the batteries much more efficient than the lead-acid batteries the team had used in previous races.
In contrast to many of their fellow competitors, who received multi-million dollar sponsorship from major vehicle manufacturers, the SunShark team had to operate within a limited budget of around US$125,000 which necessitated a car design based largely on commercially available solar cell and battery technology.
This approach earned the team the GM Sunraycer Award for Technical Achievement for 'achieving technical innovation that can likely be translated to commercially viable real-world applications'.
Further reading
Lightweight batteries put cameras on MotoGP racers
Saft's MP lithium-ion batteries are now standard on the video systems that Dorna Sports installs on the stable of bikes that race in the MotoGP World Championship events.
Lithium-ion batteries lighten satellite payload
The launch on 4th August of Hispasat's Amazonas satellite signalled a continuing revolut