Batteries in Aircraft

Question 1

How to calculate A·h (Amp-Hour)?

Answer 1

A·h = Current x Hours

Question 2

What is the difference between primary and secondary batteries?

Answer 2

Primary Cell Batteries- Non-rechargeable

Secondary Cell Batteries- Rechargeable (used in aircraft)

Question 3

Lead-Acid Battery

Answer 3

Off Load- 2.2V
On Load- 2.0V

Heavy, slow charging, drops voltage overtime

Question 4

Nickel-Cadmium (NiCad)

Answer 4

Off Load- 1.2V
On Load- 1.2V

Lightweight, fast charging, run risk of thermal runaway

Question 5

Alkaline

Answer 5

Off Load- 1.3V
On Load- 1.2V

Lightweight, fast charging, expensive

Question 6

Lithium

Answer 6

High energy, fire risk due to thermal runaway

Question 7

What problem did the Boeing 787 face with lithium-ion batteries?

Answer 7

Li-ion batteries caused a fire, it required fireproof casing

Question 8

How does temperature affect battery performance?

Answer 8

Heat reduces battery lifespan (such as 25˚C)

Cold reduces battery performance

Question 9

What is the difference between series and parallel battery wiring?

Answer 9

Series: Increases voltage

Parallel: Increases capacity