Montavista has recently begun distributing its cutting-edge METARY®EL series of lithium metal batteries to its international clientele, positioning the product as a superior alternative to its contemporaries in several key aspects. By employing a unique anode modification technique and a groundbreaking flame-retardant electrolyte, Montavista has managed to achieve exceptional cycling stability, surpassing its previous METARY®Ex series announced in 2020.

related articles

• What are the current limitations of electric aircraft technology ?
• What technological developments in battery technology have occurred in the last few years in relation to electric aviation ?

Furthermore, the new METARY®EL batteries retain the high specific energy, operational safety, and environmental adaptability features that have come to define Montavista’s offerings.

Impressive Performance and Longevity

Boasting a capacity retention of over 90 percent after 300 cycles, the METARY®EL battery maintains its mass specific energy density at an impressive 400Wh/kg even after 250 deep charge-discharge cycles. This extraordinary cycling performance allows for a variety of high-energy-density and extended cycle life applications, paving the way for the development of “ultra-long-life” solar-powered unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

Meeting the Demands of Today’s Industries

Numerous international companies are in search of a viable solution for constructing solar-powered UAVs, as these devices have proven invaluable for applications such as communication relay, forest fire monitoring, atmospheric environment monitoring, and geographic mapping.

The practicality and cost-effectiveness of these UAVs hinge upon their airborne longevity, which has long been a limiting factor due to the relatively low energy density of commercial Li-ion batteries, typically under 300Wh/kg.

A Breakthrough in Solar UAV Technology

Enter the METARY®EL lithium-metal battery series, with energy densities exceeding 400Wh/kg, Montavista has brought the dream of building a truly sustainable UAV to life. The current record for the longest solar-powered UAV flight time stands at 64 days, set by the Airbus Zephyr S last summer.

To achieve flight times of hundreds of days, future solar UAVs will require batteries that not only deliver exceptional cyclic performance but also possess high energy density. Montavista’s METARY®EL series is poised to meet and exceed these requirements, ushering in a new era of ultra-long life solar UAV technology.

Source: eenewseurope.com