Saft’s rechargeable Li-ion battery technology represents the most promising approach for both light weight and heavy weight (LWT and HWT) training and exercise torpedoes. Although currently slightly more expensive than secondary Ag-Zn batteries, the reusability of Li-ion batteries ensures low life-cycle costs, bringing cost-effectiveness to sea trials.
Saft provides a bespoke service for the development of the ideal Li-ion battery system to suit a customer’s specific performance requirements for each torpedo. The battery is made up of a number of Li-ion cell modules connected in parallel to provide the required capacity; these are then connected in series to provide the required voltage. The Li-ion battery is managed by an electronic control system adapted by Saft to suit the specific torpedo application.
Saft has just published a 28 page white paper on ‘Lithium-ion battery technology for exercise torpedoes’.
This white paper is available free from Saft and can be obtained via email request
Benefits
- conservative estimates for battery life are more than 100 cycles and over five years
- Li-ion cells and batteries are maintenance-free (sealed cell)
- Voltage reading under no load provides an accurate energy gauge