Ampace 21700A 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 fast charging in EVTOL applications, optimising performance while preventing overheating and lithium plating.
Value Propositions
Cylindrical 21700 form factor for versatile applications.
Nominal capacity of 14.8 Wh and 4.0 Ah for efficient energy storage.
Top-quartile volumetric energy density of 589 Wh/l for compact designs.
Maximum continuous discharge of 45 A, ideal for high-performance UAVs.
Gravimetric power density of 2,379 W/kg, supporting rapid energy delivery.
About the Cell
The Ampace 21700A cell features a cylindrical 21700 form factor, providing a nominal capacity of 14.8 Wh and 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 suitable for compact UAV designs. The gravimetric energy density stands at 211 Wh/kg, which is around the median, ensuring a balance between weight and energy storage. The cell's volumetric power density of 6,628 W/l is among the highest in the database, supporting high current demands. Additionally, the maximum continuous discharge rate of 45 A (11.3 C) positions it well above the median of 30 A, making it ideal for applications requiring rapid energy delivery.
Application Challenges
In EVTOL applications, fast charging of batteries is critical to ensure operational efficiency. The challenge lies in charging the Ampace 21700A cell quickly without overheating or causing lithium plating, which can degrade performance and safety. High charge currents are necessary to reduce downtime, but they must be managed carefully to prevent thermal runaway. The cell's maximum continuous charge rate of 8 A (2 C) allows for rapid charging while maintaining safety standards. This capability is essential for UAVs that require quick turnaround times between flights, particularly in demanding environments.
Why this Cell
The Ampace 21700A cell is designed for fast charging applications, with a maximum continuous charge rate of 8 A, which is significantly higher than the median of 8 A in the database. This allows for efficient energy replenishment without compromising safety. The cell's high volumetric energy density of 589 Wh/l ensures that UAVs can carry more energy in a compact form, enhancing flight times. Furthermore, the gravimetric power density of 2,379 W/kg supports high discharge rates, making it suitable for applications that demand quick bursts of power. This combination of features positions the Ampace 21700A as an excellent choice for UAV battery pack design, optimising performance while addressing the challenges of fast charging.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a crucial role in optimising the performance of the Ampace 21700A cell in UAV applications. By modelling load profiles and thermal behaviour, engineers can predict how the cell will perform under various charging conditions. This includes assessing heat generation during rapid charging and ensuring that the cell operates within safe temperature limits. Additionally, simulations can help identify the optimal charge and discharge rates, allowing for efficient energy use without risking lithium plating. By leveraging cell-specific data, designers can make informed decisions that enhance battery thermal management and overall UAV performance, ensuring reliability and safety in critical missions.
