UK armed forces consider lithium sulfur batteries
In Phase 3 OXIS has developed an advanced prototype cell and pioneering chemistry that provides a 60% increase in capacity compared with that delivered in Phase 2 in 2013. The cell increases the specific energy of a cell to just under 300 Wh/kg. The company expects to achieve a further 20% increase in capacity using enhanced materials in the OXIS cells.
Lightening the load on army patrol personnel who have to carry several kilos on their person is a priority issue for the UK’s MOD. Lithium Sulfur cells have the potential to significantly reduce the weight of batteries that are currently in service, thus reducing the weight burden on soldiers significantly.
The OXIS’s Lithium Sulfur cells have been developed to easily handle a wide variety of abuse conditions including extreme temperatures, short circuit, nail and even bullet penetration. Even when the cells are penetrated by metal nails, the cells continue to function, thus contributing further towards safeguarding the lives of British soldiers on operational duty.
OXIS’s Lithium Sulfur cells are also kinder to the environment as they do not contain any heavy metals or toxic components and the sulfur used is a recycled product. The cells have a long shelf life and do not require charging during prolonged periods of storage thereby reducing the annual operational costs for the MOD.
Related articles and links:
News articles:
OXIS partners MSP Technologies to develop marine batteries
Liquid alloy electrode improves sodium-beta battery performance
Are cheap lithium sulfur batteries on the horizon?
