Amprius SA02 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.
Explore the Amprius SA02 cell for drones, designed for fast charging without overheating, ensuring safety and efficiency in UAV applications.
Value Propositions
Pouch form factor with nominal capacity of 38.5 Wh and 11.0 Ah.
Volumetric energy density of 740 Wh/l, top-quartile vs median of 542 Wh/l.
Gravimetric energy density of 340 Wh/kg, around median of 210 Wh/kg.
Maximum continuous discharge of 33.0 A, top-quartile vs median of 30 A.
Volumetric power density of 2,219 W/l, around median of 2,029 W/l.
About the Cell
The Amprius SA02 cell is designed in a pouch form factor, featuring a nominal capacity of 38.5 Wh and 11.0 Ah. With a volumetric energy density of 740 Wh/l, it ranks in the top-quartile compared to the median of 542 Wh/l in the market. Its gravimetric energy density stands at 340 Wh/kg, which is around the median of 210 Wh/kg. The cell also boasts a maximum continuous discharge rate of 33.0 A, placing it in the top-quartile against the median of 30 A. Additionally, it has a volumetric power density of 2,219 W/l, which is around the median of 2,029 W/l, making it suitable for high-performance drone applications.
Application Challenges
In the realm of drones, fast charging of batteries is critical to ensure operational efficiency. The challenge lies in charging the battery quickly without overheating the cells or causing lithium plating, which can degrade the battery or lead to safety hazards. The Amprius SA02 cell addresses these challenges with its high energy density and robust thermal management capabilities, allowing for rapid charging while maintaining safety and performance. The need for lightweight and high energy density drone batteries is paramount, especially for applications requiring extended flight times and reliability in various environments.
Why this Cell
The Amprius SA02 cell is particularly well-suited for drone applications due to its impressive specifications. With a maximum continuous discharge of 33.0 A, it is in the top-quartile compared to the median of 30 A, ensuring that it can handle high power demands during flight. Its volumetric energy density of 740 Wh/l is significantly higher than the median of 542 Wh/l, allowing for longer flight durations without increasing weight. This cell's design also mitigates the risks associated with fast charging, making it an ideal choice for UAVs that require quick turnaround times while ensuring safety and efficiency.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a crucial role in optimising battery performance for drones. By simulating load profiles, thermal rise, voltage sag, and usable energy, engineers can accurately predict how the Amprius SA02 cell will perform under various conditions. This approach allows for the selection of the most suitable cell for specific mission profiles, ensuring that the battery can deliver the required thrust and energy throughout the flight. For instance, modelling thermal behaviour helps in understanding how to prevent overheating during rapid charging, thereby enhancing the overall reliability and safety of drone operations.
