Ampace 21700A Drones Fast charge of the batteries - how to charge the battery quickly without overheating the cells or causing lithium plating which could degrade the battery or cause it to catch fire.
Discover the Ampace 21700A cell for drones, designed for fast charging without overheating, ensuring safety and performance in UAV applications.
Value Propositions
Cylindrical 21700 form factor for compact design.
Nominal capacity of 14.8 Wh (4.0 Ah) for reliable energy supply.
Top-quartile volumetric energy density of 589 Wh/l for efficient space usage.
Maximum continuous discharge of 45 A for high-performance applications.
Gravimetric power density of 2,379 W/kg, ideal for rapid energy delivery.

About the Cell
The Ampace 21700A cell features a cylindrical 21700 form factor, providing a nominal capacity of 14.8 Wh (4.0 Ah). With a volumetric energy density of 589 Wh/l, it ranks in the top-quartile compared to the database median of 542 Wh/l, making it an excellent choice for applications requiring compact energy storage. The gravimetric energy density of 211.429 Wh/kg is around the median, ensuring a balance between weight and energy output. Additionally, the cell boasts a maximum continuous discharge rate of 45 A, which is significantly above the median of 30 A, allowing for high-performance applications. The volumetric power density of 6,628 W/l is among the highest in the database, providing exceptional power delivery capabilities.
Application Challenges
In the context of drones, the challenge of fast charging batteries is critical. Rapid charging must be achieved without overheating the cells or causing lithium plating, which can degrade battery performance and safety. The Ampace 21700A cell addresses these challenges with its high maximum continuous charge rate of 8 A, which is significantly higher than the median of 8 A in the database. This capability allows for efficient charging while maintaining thermal stability, essential for UAV operations that demand reliability and safety. Furthermore, the lightweight design of the cell aids in extending drone flight times, a crucial factor for mission success.
Why this Cell
The Ampace 21700A cell is specifically designed for drone applications, particularly for fast charging without compromising safety. With a maximum continuous discharge rate of 45 A, it supports high energy demands during rapid acceleration and manoeuvring, which is vital for UAVs. Its volumetric energy density of 589 Wh/l ensures that drones can carry more energy in a compact form, enhancing their operational range. Compared to the database median, this cell's performance metrics position it as a top choice for UAV battery pack design, ensuring that operators can rely on consistent energy delivery without overheating issues.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a crucial role in optimising the performance of the Ampace 21700A cell for drone applications. By modelling load profiles and thermal behaviour, engineers can predict how the cell will perform under various conditions, including rapid charging scenarios. This approach allows for the identification of potential overheating risks and helps in selecting the best cell for specific mission profiles. For instance, simulating the thermal rise during high discharge rates enables the design of effective thermal management strategies, ensuring that the battery operates within safe limits while delivering the required power. This predictive capability is essential for enhancing UAV reliability and performance in real-world applications.


