ABSL Power Solutions

The UK's AEA Battery Systems and FMC Lithium of the US will work together to develop a new generation cell technology for future applications. The materials technology experience of FMC Lithium along with AEA's manufacturing and technology licensing experience means that the new technology could lead to an increase in performance of a further 30 per cent - 50 per cent - leading to smaller, lighter batteries.

Lithium-ion cell technology, the current market leading battery technology invented by AEA Battery Systems' parent company AEA Technology, has delivered a revolution in mobile consumer electronics over the last 15 years. Radically reducing the size and weight of batteries, this technology can now be found in all mobile phones and laptops.

The implications of new technologies for the soldier in the field are huge. The majority of UK soldiers currently use nickel cadmium (NiCd) battery packs meaning that the advantages of this new technology could be dramatic:

Lithium-ion batteries currently provide a massive reduction in weight and volume - the average soldier currently carries more than 16kg of batteries, with Lithium-ion batteries this can be reduced to 3kg - but with a new technology this could be reduced by a further 30 per cent the new technology will also provide the ability to perform in extreme temperatures - from -51°C to +75°C, with little reduction in performance the new technology will also provide greater reliability and no 'memory effect' of Lithium-ion - with current NiCd batteries, repeat charging over a period of time leads to batteries not accepting a full charge, leading to unpredictable performance.

AEA Battery Systems' batteries are already widely used by armed forces in the UK and abroad and the company was recently appointed sole supplier of batteries and chargers for the UK MoD's Bowman project.

Dave Loughborough, Managing Director of AEA Battery Systems commented:

"Soldiers need to carry an increasing amount of batteries for the new equipment and weaponry they use. Currently these weigh up to 40 per cent of their total burden and can prove unreliable. Our collaboration with FMC Lithium will help us to spearhead developments in battery technology, delivering lighter, durable portable power solutions. These will have a longer life, higher performance and lower whole life costs. The new batteries would only be five per cent of the total weight, potentially reducing the radio operator or signalman's average pack weight from 101lbs (current weight) to 83.5lbs."

The collaboration will also lead to improvements in power technology for a wide range of industries and consumer goods such as mobile phones and laptops. Existing customers from both companies will be offered the improved technology as soon as it becomes available.

Victor Maurtua, FMC Lithium Primaries Sales and Marketing Director, said:

"This collaboration is an excellent 'fit' for FMC Lithium. AEA Battery Systems is a premier battery system developer and manufacturer, widely respected throughout the industry for its expertise in R&D, technology licensing, and cell and battery manufacture. FMC Lithium brings its battery material experience, advanced chemistry expertise and recent process innovations to this alliance, which will provide value-added solutions to meet growing customer demands around the globe."

--Ends--

Further Information

For further information contact:

Benedict Payne/Louise Inchbald Good Relations Tel: 020 7861 3030 Email:

Catriona Watson AEA Battery Systems Tel: 01847 808 000 Email:

Notes to Editors

AEA Battery Systems

AEA Battery Systems is a world-leading power solutions and battery technology supplier with its reputation stemming from the key role it played in the invention of Lithium-ion technology. The company researches, develops, designs and manufactures advanced cells and battery packs for specialist markets which include Defence, Homeland Security, Marine and subsea, Aerospace and Medical applications. Incorporating its specialist cell manufacturing Joint Venture Company, AGM Batteries, the company employs 170 people in the UK between sites in Culham, Oxfordshire and Thurso, Caithness.

AEA Battery Systems is a wholly owned subsidiary of AEA Technology plc. AEA Technology plc has core businesses in environment and rail and several portfolios of smaller businesses in which AEA Battery Systems features.

FMC Lithium

FMC Lithium Energy Storage Group develops and produces cathodic and anodic battery materials under the Lectro® family brand of products serving battery manufacturers worldwide. FMC Lithium is one of the world's largest producers of lithium chemicals and employs nearly 600 people worldwide.

The organisation produces a family of speciality inorganic, organic, and metal compounds serving these major markets: air treatment, construction, energy storage, fine chemicals, glass and ceramics, greases and lubricants, polymers, and pool water treatment. Production facilities are located in Salta, Argentina; Bessemer City, North Carolina; Bayport, Texas; Bromborough, England; and Japan, through a joint venture.

FMC Lithium is a division of FMC Corporation, a global diversified chemical company serving agricultural, industrial and consumer markets for more than a century with innovative solutions, applications and products. The company employs 5,700 people worldwide. FMC Corporation divides its businesses into three segments: agricultural products, specialty chemicals and industrial chemicals.

Most recent articles

• ABSL Selected to Supply Infrared Calibration System for SLSTR - 30th July 2008
• ABSL Power Solutions wins best technology award at Soldier Technology 2008 - 26th June 2008
• ABSL Selected to Supply Lithium-ion Battery for GMES Sentinel 1 - 18th June 2008
• ABSL To Conduct Astronaut Spacesuit Battery Program in Colorado - 20th May 2008
• ABSL Lithium-ion Batteries Enable European GPS Satellite Mission To Be Extended - 15th April 2008

Syndicated News Feed

Media Information & Contacts

News Archive