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Comparative performance analysis of Li-Ion and Ni-Cd batteries at variable temperatures

  • David Herzog

Student thesis: Master's thesisMaster in Engineering: Engineering

Abstract

The aerospace industry has a major focus on solutions for lighter, safer, and more powerful aircraft. Improving battery technology can advance manufacturers towards these goals. In this report, tests have been carried out on the current Ni-Cad battery technology against a new Li-Ion battery pending approval for in-flight use. Complete flight conditions were recreated with a bench test, to simulate what an aircraft battery would encounter during its service time. The batteries are utilized to start the auxiliary power unit (APU). Tests revealed that cold temperatures impact battery performance more drastically than hot temperatures, thus highlighting the importance of examining operational limits. Insufficient state of charge (SOC) has the second-greatest impact. A recommendation for the Li-Ion and Ni-Cd batteries would be to add a heating device around the battery, thus the battery will never be too cold to perform an APU start.
Date22 Feb 2016
Original languageAmerican English
Awarding Institution
  • École de technologie supérieure
SupervisorLouis-A. Dessaint (Supervisor)

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