Amprius has obtained third-party performance validation for the battery cell, which offers high power density in a lightweight package.
California-based Amprius has verified the performance of its piano batteries using a third-party Mobile Power Solutions testing device. The results show that the cell model produces 504 Wh per kg and 1321 Wh per liter at 25 C.
Amprius said the silicon anode cell is about half the weight and volume of conventional commercially available lithium-ion cells. The cells have applications in the rapidly growing electric aviation space and can be integrated into electric vehicles. The company said that combined demand for electric aviation and light electric vehicle batteries is estimated to exceed $100 billion worldwide by 2025.
Amprius cells offer 200% runtime compared to leading graphite battery cells. However, they are lighter and smaller than other batteries with the same energy content.
“This latest validation continues Amprius’ track record of producing the world’s most efficient battery cells and sets the industry benchmark for the next generation of battery technology that will ultimately revolutionize how high we fly, how far we travel and how long we can operate our devices,” said Jon Bornstein, CEO of Amprius Labs.
Customers can adjust the technical data of the battery cell platform according to the design needs of the project. With the customizable platform, customers can choose to either increase the battery’s energy content without adding weight, reduce weight for applications that target fixed energy content, or a combination of the two. Greater energy is important for long operating times, range and durability, while lighter packages increase energy efficiency.
The battery cells are designed to be integrated into the AALTO Zephyr, a high altitude docking station (HAPS). The solar-electric communication aircraft provides continuous ground observation at a sampling distance of 18 cm from the ground, near-real-time video and images of the stratosphere during the day and at night.
“We look forward to leveraging Amprius’ 500 Wh/kg cell to further develop Zephyr’s unparalleled stratospheric endurance capabilities,” said Pierre-Antoine Aubourg, Technical Director of Airbus subsidiary AALTO HAPS. “Amprius is a well-respected current supplier with a great track record, and we’re confident its battery will deliver the capability we need.”
Amprius has a research and development laboratory in Fremont, California. It recently signed a letter of intent for a 774,000-square-foot facility in Brighton, Colorado, which would offer up to 5 GWh of generating capacity.
The US Department of Energy (DoE) is working to improve battery performance to stabilize the supply chain for critical materials and offer attractive products to vehicle buyers. “While there are a number of electric vehicles on the market, further battery improvements can make them more affordable and convenient for consumers,” according to the DoE.
DoE is funding advanced battery development, system analysis and testing to achieve these goals. Read more about the DoE’s involvement in batteries here.
