The issues surrounding lithium batteries.

[skippydiesel]

14 hours ago, BurnieM said:

Are Lithium batteries actually an advantage in aircraft ?

Their lighter weight is often a negative for COG.

 

Why go with them ?

 

Can only speculate -

 

Weight is the enemy of all aircraft, so any weight reduction is attractive. Reduced weight generally = better performance in almost all parameters.

 

As for "...negative for COG...." If your aircraft has been designed/configured such that the battery (weight) location is critical to Cof G there will need to be adjustments made, if you change that weight/location. In most instance this is not an insurmountably problem. In a few, the solution would seem to be using ballast - not a great idea a this negates, to some extent, the advantage of weight reduction, inherent in the Lithium battery ie may as well just stick with the original lead acid battery.

 

Then there is performance & service life in a small lightweight package - My Earth X  ETX 900  has the following specifications:

 

Voltage: 13.2
Weight: 2.4kg
Cold Cranking Amps (CCA): 390
Peak Cranking Amps (PCA): 800
Amp Hour (1C Rate): 15.6
Dimensions: 166mm L x 76mm W x 168mm H

Holds charge when not in use, much better than AGM

Service Life: 4,000 charge cycles - up to 8 years

 

The Earth X is expensive, 2-3 times the price of a good quality AGM motorcycle battery, that will do the same job, at higher weight and volume.

 

Lead acid batteries are not without their risks - I have had a battery explode and recently my Son had his trucks 24V (2 X 12V) dangerously overheat (suspected plate collapse/internal short, due to a lot of rough road travel) to the point of thermal runaway - could have been very nasty!

 

😈