The system that powers a spacecraft and all the components of a spacecraft power-system, collectively form an important part of the complete mass required for building a spacecraft. Constant research and efforts are being put in all over the world to understand the potential ways in which this mass for the production of the batteries for spacecraft could be used for satisfactorily meeting with the ever-increasing demands for energy, specifically, satellite energy. This support is essential for warfighting in the future and meeting with the energy-based demands of the space and defence industry, in which, the novel and advanced graphene battery technology plays a major role.
Graphene batteries for applications in space
The conventional batteries like the lithium-ion batteries utilise graphite material for its anode component. The extensive use of graphene and its enhancements, can very efficiently replace the use of graphite for electrode material and can promise potentially remarkable results in terms of a great gravimetric capacity, while at the same time maintaining a reasonable amount of cyclic stability. The graphene material in itself, along with the graphene enhancements for example, the anodes that are graphene enhanced can offer a two times higher gravimetric potential as compared to other materials like graphite, making it a suitable choice for various application in space.
Use and application of graphene in defence
The full-time production of a cell with the help of a methodology that utilizes pre-lithiation is vital for assessing the use of the material graphene and its performance as an electrode, specifically the anode component in the batteries. The light weight and the unmatchable strength of the graphene material makes it a great fit for ballistic protection in military and defence. This is because, armour material that is relatively lighter and stronger can prove to be extremely useful for achieving high mobility and a high range with a remarkable level of protection. Graphene batteries, dissipate energy in the form of kinetic energy and display remarkable endurance that is relatively ten times greater than steel. The endurance and the stretchability property of graphene is surprisingly similar to fabric materials like zylon that have been conventionally used for protection and survivability in military and defence. Furthermore, the graphene batteries due to the extraordinary performance outcomes it offers, is also being used for drones.
Conclusion
The tight, honeycomb like latticed structure of graphene, with relatively shorter carbon bonds is responsible for its inherent property of strength. C6 Energy’s graphene battery dissipate heat well and is extremely useful for space and defence applications, inclusive of batteries used in drones and other space applications that demand a high gravimetric capacity.