Lithium sulphur battery technology moves to another level

In Phase 3, OXIS has developed an advanced prototype cell and a new chemistry that increases capacity by 60% compared to the cells delivered in Phase 2. According to the company, the specific energy of a cell is now close to 300Whr/kg. A further 20% increase in capacity is expected through the use of enhanced materials in the cells. OXIS Energy's chief executive officer Huw Hampson-Jones said: "The OXIS team has made considerable progress in developing the cell technology for use in mobile military communications systems. Phase 3 takes us a step closer towards rolling out the safe battery systems for use by military personnel on active duty. The next stage is to make further improvements, so the Ministry of Defence can phase in the technology and achieve significant costs savings." Because of its high specific energy, lithium sulphur technology has the potential to reduce the weight of batteries that soldiers need to carry in the field. Lithium sulphur cells can also withstand such conditions as extreme temperatures, short circuits and penetration by bullets.