The European Defence Agency (EDA) has launched a new research project to monitor and predict the health of batteries in aircraft, known as Prognostic Health Management (PHM).

The project is known as BATTAGE, combining “batt” from batteries, and “age,” referring to battery lifespan. Led by Italy and involving Belgium, Greece, the Netherlands and Germany, the three-year project focuses on a type of rechargeable battery used in aircraft called structural Li-Ion/Po batteries.

Unlike traditional batteries, structural batteries not only store energy but also help support the structure of the aircraft, which can reduce the overall weight. This is particularly important for aircraft, as every kilogram saved helps improve fuel efficiency and performance.

The project aims to develop aircraft power systems, with a focus on hybrid aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for defense, to help support longer lifespans and high performance. The systems will help predict how long the batteries and the materials can be safely used, reducing the risk of failure.

The objectives of the project include sensor network and battery management system design, diagnostic and prognostic algorithm implementation for early anomaly detection, experimental validation under realistic operating conditions, and extending methodologies from testing to full UAV component-level validation.

The project brings together member states’ expertise and testing facilities to accelerate innovation and share the costs.

“The project seeks to lay the foundation for research applicable to both civil aeronautics and the automotive industry, raising the possibility of a broad application of the technologies developed,” the EDA said.

Source: European Defence Agency