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Highlights
- Li-S Energy completes 30-minute UAV test with lithium-sulfur battery.
- Lightweight battery configuration supports potential for drone and eAviation sectors.
- Successful recharge of battery showcases durability and efficiency.
Li-S Energy (ASX:LIS) recently conducted a successful 30-minute test flight using its lithium-sulfur battery technology in a small unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). This test flight, powered by a 12-cell lithium-sulfur battery pack, underscores the company's advancements in lightweight battery solutions tailored for applications in drone, eAviation, and security markets. The UAV, a fixed-wing design with a 2.4-meter wingspan and single motor, was launched via hand or catapult, maintaining steady flight for the duration without exhausting its battery life.
The battery system, a 6S2P configuration containing twelve 10Ah lithium-sulfur cells, featured a nominal voltage of 11.4V and a capacity of 20Ah, all within a total weight of 550 grams. The weight efficiency of this battery is crucial to Li-S Energy’s focus on UAV applications, where minimizing payload weight is essential for optimal performance. The company also reported a successful battery recharge on the UAV's return journey, demonstrating the technology’s durability and potential for sustained operations in challenging environments.
Li-S Energy sees this milestone as a key validation of lithium-sulfur batteries as a viable alternative to lithium-ion chemistries, especially in specialized applications that require lightweight, high-capacity energy storage. CEO Lee Finniear commented on the development, stating, “This month, we are demonstrating our cells in a full battery pack, successfully powering an uncrewed aircraft in flight profiles typically required by our target markets.” Finniear added that this progress moves the company closer to the integrated battery packs required for its ambitious "dawn-‘til-dusk" drone program, aimed at long-duration flights and demonstrating that Li-S Energy is a reliable power solution across various industries.
An added highlight of Li-S Energy’s technology is its reliance on Boron Nitride Nanotubes (BNNTs), which enhance the strength and stability of the battery cells. BNNTs contribute to the cells' efficiency, making them lighter and potentially longer-lasting than many lithium-ion alternatives. With a focus on scalable applications, Li-S Energy is positioning itself to address the evolving demands of the drone and eAviation industries.
Recently, Science Minister Ed Husic visited the company’s facilities, further supporting Li-S Energy's innovations. The company’s shares last traded at 22 cents per share (cps) on the ASX, underscoring investor interest in its advancements and potential future applications.
