November 2, 2024

Soaring Into the Future: DOE Researchers Develop Game-Changing Batteries for Air Taxis

“This requires us to respond to concerns about the interaction of battery security, cycle life, and stability at high temperatures, while balancing the requirement for short bursts of high power with energy reserves for longer-range flight,” Belharouak said.Advanced Research in Battery Performance and SafetyThe first significant takeaway from a substantial eVTOL research task underway at ORNL is that the power and efficiency needs for eVTOL batteries can considerably reduce their durability and durability.Unlike electric automobile batteries, which normally drain pipes at a steady rate, eVTOL batteries require differing quantities of power for flight phases such as climbing up, hovering, and descent, with some stages requiring high bursts of power.”Innovative Battery Testing and DevelopmentThe ORNL group made lithium-ion batteries at the DOE Battery Manufacturing Facility located at ORNL and ran them through simulated climb phases of eVTOL aircraft. Scientists studied what took place inside the battery throughout biking– including how much energy was quickly accessible throughout the requiring launch stage– then tested the battery materials later for rust and other chemical or structural changes.Systematic investigation connecting real flight profiles to real-time physical battery operation is uncommon.

“This requires us to respond to questions about the interplay of battery security, cycle life, and stability at high temperature levels, while stabilizing the need for short bursts of high power with energy reserves for longer-range flight,” Belharouak said.Advanced Research in Battery Performance and SafetyThe initially major takeaway from a substantial eVTOL research project underway at ORNL is that the power and efficiency demands for eVTOL batteries can significantly reduce their longevity and durability.Unlike electric automobile batteries, which normally drain pipes at a steady rate, eVTOL batteries need differing quantities of power for flight phases such as climbing up, hovering, and descent, with some phases needing high bursts of power. We are trying to figure out the restrictions of the battery chemistry we have now, and then tune the battery to bridge that gap.”Innovative Battery Testing and DevelopmentThe ORNL group made lithium-ion batteries at the DOE Battery Manufacturing Facility located at ORNL and ran them through simulated climb phases of eVTOL aircraft. Scientists studied what happened inside the battery throughout biking– including how much energy was rapidly available throughout the demanding departure phase– then checked the battery materials afterward for corrosion and other chemical or structural changes.Systematic examination connecting actual flight profiles to real-time physical battery operation is rare.