Rolls-Royce showed off what it hopes will be the world’s fastest electric aircraft on December 19, 2019. Now plans are progressing well for the Spring 2020 record attempt. Moreover, the company claims to have developed the most energy-dense flying battery pack ever. Therefore, this dense electric battery for Rolls-Royce aircraft could be a significant game changer.
Technology in a Dense Electric Battery for Rolls-Royce Aircraft
The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers journal Spectrum describes how this innovation came about. First, the company considered different types of lithium-ion cells including cylindrical, pouch, and prismatic. Then, it decided cylindrical cells were best for energy capacity, and fast
discharging at high power.
They knew battery cell weight represents the greatest challenge to the electric aircraft industry. That’s why, according to a Rolls-Royce press release they packaged 6,000 cells to minimize weight while maximizing thermal protection. Finally, they devised a liquid cooling system containing a piped water-glycol mixture, whereby every cell directly contacts the cooling plate.
What Rolls-Royce Hopes to Achieve at the 2020 Speed Trial
The prototype airplane has three powerful 750kW axial electric motors driving the propeller. This arrangement allows lower rotating speed than conventional power for a quieter, more stable ride. Should any of the cells inside the three ultra-strong battery cases fail, then artificial intelligence will shut that battery down. However the aircraft can fly on two motors, or even one.
The new dense electric battery for Rolls-Royce aircraft will propel the electric airplane at 300 mph according to the company. It could travel as far as 200 miles on a single charge allowing it to fly from London to Paris. The company says it is building the airplane with an eye on short commercial flights.
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