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New Lithium-Sulfur (Li-S) battery technology is in development for space applications, with the goal of becoming the breakthrough technology for powering satellites and other space vehicles.
The research is an ambitious project that plans to focus on developing long-lifetime, high-energy density cells with low self-discharge while taking into account the harsh constraints of space exploration.
The batteries are also aiming to reduce weight by a factor of two compared to current lithium ion products.
If the project is successful, it could lead to new opportunities for launching satellites with lighter payloads, which would be more affordable and potentially increase the frequency and range of future satellite launches.The project is a joint endeavor by the European Consortium for Lithium-Sulfur Power for Space Environments (ECLIPSE), led by Airbus Defence and Space and recently joined by OXIS Energy, a Li-S battery research company.
The ECLIPSE research plans to focus on three levels:
- Cell level studies, including research to optimize the four main cells components of the anode, cathode, separator and electrolyte to achieve 400Wh/kg cells compatible with space cycling profiles.
- Battery and encapsulation level, including prototyping and theoretical studies.
- System level studies for integration in satellite and launcher architectures, taking into account the economic constraints and the future technical challenges. The project will have a duration of 24 months.
The intended results of ECLIPSE include:
- Weight reduction of batteries by a factor of two.
- Cost reduction at subsystem, system and launching levels.
- Further advancement of the technology.
Steven Rowlands, technical lead on the project, said that “using OXIS's innovative lithium sulfur rechargeable battery technology, much lighter payloads will be possible and this will reduce launch and mission costs considerably. For example, at current launch prices, for every kilogram of weight saved, we anticipate a saving of up to €20,000.”
“An energy density of 400Wh/kg is anticipated in two years, which will halve the weight of the incumbent satellite battery systems. The ECLIPSE project brings together the perfect team to accelerate not only the progress of satellite batteries but all electrical energy storage applications in the future,” Rowlands continued.
For more information on Lithium-Sulfur battery technologies, visit OXIS Energy.