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= Lithium-Air Batteries =
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Scientists at Cambridge University have published a research paper in the journal <i>Science</i> that details how the team overcome obstacles in the development of [http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/cambridge-chemists-make-breakthrough-with-ultimate-battery-which-can-power-a-car-from-london-to-a6716046.html lithium-air batteries].

Lithium-air batteries have the potential to store more energy than other battery types. They have the potential to store 5–15 times the specific energy of current lithium-ion batteries. For comparison, the energy density of gasoline is approximately 13 kW·h/kg while the theoretical energy density of the lithium-air battery is 12 kW·h/kg.<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithium%E2%80%93air_battery#cite_note-BatteryMaterials-10</ref>
<ref>http://sciencewatch.com/articles/lithium-air-batteries-are-great-so-are-their-problems</ref>
<ref>http://arstechnica.com/science/2015/10/lithium-air-battery-research-shows-potential-paths-to-next-gen-batteries/</ref>
<ref>http://www.sciencemag.org/content/350/6260/530.abstract</ref>
<ref>http://singularityhub.com/2014/10/28/new-solar-cell-doubles-as-battery-to-store-the-energy-it-creates/</ref>

In other words, if you had a battery the size of your gas tank, the range of travel would be roughly the same. This is a perfect fit for [[:Category:MotorYacht|motor yachts]].

Another advantage is that lithium-air batteries have a solid-state design that is attractive from a safety standpoint. It eliminates the possibility of rupture and ignition.

The original target for this development was long-range electric cars. But this means you could charge up from shore power and sail until the 'gas' ran out. There are still enormous challenges for electric boats to be self sufficient. As discussed in [[RenewableSolarPower|Renewable Solar Power]] there isn't enough sun energy for main propulsion.

Maybe an electric-sail hybrid is the answer for off-shore?

== References ==

[[Category:MotorYachtDesign‎]]

[[Category:BatteriesGeneral]]