A stratospheric battery from Enpower Greentech is unveiled

Photo Credit: www.enpowerus.com The next big thing for businesses like SoftBank will be telecommunications systems that operate at extreme altitudes. The batteries needed to power the airborne platforms that will support this "Information Revolution" must be able to endure the pressure and temperature extremes present at high altitudes. A power pack with the required level of sturdiness, stability, and energy density has allegedly been developed by Enpower Greentech Inc (EGI) to meet the demands of that challenging use-case. The next big thing for gadgets like iPhones and Android smartphones may be communicating via low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites, but SoftBank is placing its bets on "a next-generation telecommunications system" constructed in the stratosphere. Photo Credit: Business News-Crast.net It is based on a network of High Altitude Platform Stations (or HAPS), as the name suggests, which, according to SoftBank, have a latency advantage over LEO technology because they are only 20 km (or 1,200 miles) above the Earth's surface as opposed to 1,200 km (or 3,600 miles) in the case of satellites. In addition, given their location's generally benign "weather" and regular wind-speeds, the HAPS infrastructure may experience better stability and integrity. The Stations, however, might experience intense vibration, temperatures as low as –60 °C, and air pressure of 0.05 ATM. So, in order for them to function, the batteries must be able to survive certain circumstances. The HAPSMobile division of SoftBank has teamed with EGI, a business also engaged in research and development for electric vehicle, solar, and drone power solutions, and declared that its technology is up to the task. Also Read: DJI Matrice 30 is ready to take flight in any weather condition According to reports, the company's "innovative battery pack" has now successfully completed testing as part of a recent HAPS demonstration, demonstrating the capacity to continue operating even in the event that a Station crashes or has a "external short circuit." Also, it uses EGI's lithium-metal cells, which have a specific energy rating of 439 watt-hours per kilogram (Wh/kg), as opposed to the traditional lithium-ion alternative's maximum of 260Wh/kg. EGI now commits to continuing to research and market this space-worthy battery technology, but it also mentions that it is working on the'solar HAPS' as a next-generation innovation for the evolving telecomms solution.