IBM Research and ASELSAN to collaborate on metal-air battery technology, focusing on EVs; mm-wave ICs

25 November 2014

IBM Research and Turkish defense industry technology company ASELSAN (Askerî Elektronik Sanayii, Military Electronic Industries) have signed collaborative development agreements concerning research and development of metal-air battery technologies and millimeter wave integrated circuits. The companies will work together on these projects, and through these efforts ASELSAN will enhance its in-house research and development activities.

In 2009, IBM and its partners launched a multi-year research initiative specifically exploring rechargeable Li-air systems (one type of metal-air battery): “The Battery 500 Project”. (Earlier post.) The “500” stands for a target range of 500 miles/800 km per charge, which translates into a battery capacity of about 125 kWh at an average use of 250 Wh/mile for a standard family car.

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In 2012, Central Glass and Asahi Kasei also joined the Battery 500 project, bringing in their expertise on membranes and electrolytes. (Earlier post.)

The metal-air batteries to be developed under the IBM/ASELSAN partnership are intended to provide at least 5 times more storage capacity than current Li-ion batteries while preserving the same weight. Delivering more storage capacity at a lower cost than existing batteries, the metal-air batteries would significantly reduce the cost of energy and resolve range issues for electric vehicles. The new metal-air technology batteries are expected to increase EV range to at least 800 km (500 miles).

Millimeter Wave Integrated Circuits. Circuitries to be developed by integrating IBM and ASELSAN technologies will create a new technology basis for the development of RF imaging capabilities. Millimeter Wave Integrated Circuits to be developed will be used for collision avoidance in vehicles, border security, airport security applications, meteorology and various civilian RF imaging applications such as autonomous landing systems.