BOLD Valuable Technology has launched its BOLDair aviation battery system to power electric or hybrid flight.
“This development is a standard platform, designed to be integrated into partners unique system,” said the company in a press statement. “Already in talks with several key industry players, BOLD is gaining global interest in the aviation sector. BOLD has been gearing up with AS9100 (a quality management system for the aerospace industry), a new chief of Airworthiness and a functional safety team to further prove the organisation’s commitment to obtaining the aviation regulators certification. As the process will take several years, BOLD is willing and ready to join forces with partners to reach this critical goal of achieving suitability for safe flight.
“The latest high voltage battery system’s performance is a differentiating factor. Unlike existing batteries, it features a gravimetric efficiency of 285 Wh/kg making BOLD front runner in the race to electric aviation viability. This includes a full PDU, with contactors, connectors, BMS and a conditioning interface capable of providing passive and active liquid or air thermal management.
“BOLD has been diligent in performing approximately 100 thermal runaway tests onsite over the past year, to fine tune this design. A deep understanding has been developed of the cell chemistry; interaction with the mechanical integration; fluid dynamics; test techniques and how these effect the mechanical integration, venting strategy, and safety diagnostics. The organisation moved away from lithium metal cells at the end of last year due to the complexity and risk of the chemistry. Focusing on silicone anode chemistries that are more mature has allowed BOLD to create a certifiable and commercially viable solution.
“The BOLDair prototype will be exhibited at the Vertical Flight Society’s 79th Annual Forum & Technology Display in West Palm Beach, Florida from the 16th to 18th of May. The mockup will feature the modules vast capabilities and safety features. BOLD’s specialists will be manning an exhibition stand at the three-day event, eager to answer any questions on the module.
“Production will continue in May and throughout the rest of 2023. The Development Validation Plan (DVP) begins in June. This includes thermal runaway testing, electro-thermal endurance testing and DO160G testing which will further prove the battery system’s safety characteristics and capabilities.
“Both hardware and software teams at BOLD continue to strive to advance the technology and organisation required for the control system of an aviation battery system. By implementing the required functional safety and aviation processes for software and hardware development, BOLD´s goal is to ensure this is a sellable product. BOLD is taking ownership of all hardware and software development activities required to meet industry standards.
“Besides safety, BOLD´s further objectives for this development included:
- Versatility to fit eVTOL and eCTOL applications.
- Create a robust design for harsh environmental and mechanical conditions.
- Push to be in market faster than typical aviation products.
- Build dedicated teams adapted to collaborate with established aviation partners for fast integration.
For more information
https://boldvaluable.tech/blog/one-step-closer-to-take-off-for-electric-aviation-with-boldair/
