Amprius SA02 Drones Safety and risk management - particularly around overheating and thermal runaway during flight.
Explore the Amprius SA02 cell for drones, designed for safety and risk management, optimising performance while preventing overheating during flight.
Value Propositions
Pouch form factor with a 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 vs 210 Wh/kg.
Maximum continuous discharge of 33.0 A, top-quartile vs median of 30 A.
Volumetric power density of 2219 W/l, +9% vs median of 2029 W/l.
About the Cell
The Amprius SA02 cell is designed specifically for drone applications, featuring a pouch form factor that allows for efficient space utilisation. With a nominal capacity of 38.5 Wh and 11.0 Ah, it provides a robust energy solution for UAVs. Its volumetric energy density of 740 Wh/l places it in the top-quartile compared to the median of 542 Wh/l in the market, making it an excellent choice for long endurance missions. Additionally, the gravimetric energy density of 340 Wh/kg is around the median, ensuring a lightweight solution without compromising on performance. The cell's maximum continuous discharge rate of 33.0 A is also in the top-quartile, allowing for high power demands during critical flight operations. Furthermore, the volumetric power density of 2219 W/l is impressive, providing the necessary power for rapid acceleration and manoeuvrability in various flight conditions.
Application Challenges
In the realm of drones, safety and risk management are paramount, particularly concerning overheating and thermal runaway during flight. The Amprius SA02 cell addresses these challenges by offering high energy density and robust thermal management capabilities. Drones often operate in extreme environments where battery performance can be compromised. The ability to maintain optimal operating temperatures is crucial for preventing thermal runaway, which can lead to catastrophic failures. The high discharge rates and energy capacities of the SA02 cell enable drones to perform demanding tasks while ensuring safety and reliability. Furthermore, the lightweight design contributes to improved flight times, which is essential for mission success in various applications, including surveillance, delivery, and emergency response.
Why this Cell
The Amprius SA02 cell is an ideal choice 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 without overheating. The volumetric energy density of 740 Wh/l is significantly above the median, allowing for longer flight times and improved mission endurance. The cell's gravimetric energy density of 340 Wh/kg ensures that it remains lightweight, which is critical for UAV performance. Additionally, the cell's design allows for effective thermal management, addressing the core challenge of preventing overheating during flight. This combination of high energy density, lightweight construction, and robust thermal performance makes the Amprius SA02 cell a superior choice for UAV battery optimisation.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a crucial role in optimising the performance of the Amprius SA02 cell for drone applications. By simulating various load profiles, engineers can predict how the cell will behave under different operating conditions, including thermal rise and voltage sag. This predictive capability allows for the selection of the most suitable cell for specific mission profiles, ensuring that the drone can deliver the required thrust and energy throughout its flight. For instance, modelling the thermal behaviour of the cell helps identify potential overheating issues before they occur, enabling proactive measures to be taken. Furthermore, simulation aids in understanding the usable energy available from the cell, which is vital for accurate mission planning and execution. By leveraging these advanced modelling techniques, designers can enhance battery thermal management for drones, ultimately leading to improved UAV performance and reliability.
