You are on page 1of 3

9/4/2016

SolarImpulseInfocards

(https://www.solarimpulse.com)

http://www.solarimpulse.com/infocardBatteries

1/3

9/4/2016

SolarImpulseInfocards

The gondolas must be carefully prepared before the batteries are loaded
into them

Batteries

4 high voltage batteries powerSi2


through the night until the sun is
powerful enough to start recharging
again
Share

Tweet

Share

The energy collected by the solar cells is stored in four 70 liter


lithium polymer batteries, whose energy density is optimized to
260 Wh / kg. Their total mass amounts to 633kg, or just over a
quarter of the aircrafts total weight.
Technology already exploited by the automotive industry as well
in portable electronics, the PVDF binder (uorinated polymer)

http://www.solarimpulse.com/infocardBatteries

2/3

9/4/2016

SolarImpulseInfocards

in portable electronics, the PVDF binder (uorinated polymer)


increases energy density. It was developed by Solvay for use in
the battery electrodes.
The batteries operate at high voltage, 300V, and can hold a
maximum capacity 38.5kWh. There is also a small low voltage
(28V) battery for the essential cockpit systems.
New high density insulationfoam, developed by Bayer
MaterialScience, has very thin pores, high rigidity and structural
strength while remaining lightweight. It is used in the best
refrigerators and in the construction sector. The temperature of
the batteries never drops below -20C (-4F), temperature which
could reduce their capacity.
In the unlikely event that a motor fails, the power from the
batteries can be balanced to ensure that the energy is available
and the ight mission can continue.

http://www.solarimpulse.com/infocardBatteries

3/3

You might also like