Amprius SA02 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 Amprius SA02 cell for fast charging in EVTOL applications, optimising performance while preventing overheating and lithium plating.
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 2,219 W/l, around median vs 2,029 W/l.
About the Cell
The Amprius SA02 cell is designed in a pouch form factor, offering a nominal capacity of 38.5 Wh and 11.0 Ah. With a volumetric energy density of 740 Wh/l, it stands out in the market, being in the top-quartile compared to the median of 542 Wh/l. Its gravimetric energy density is 340 Wh/kg, which is around the median of 210 Wh/kg, making it a competitive choice for UAV applications. The cell also boasts a maximum continuous discharge 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, indicating its capability to deliver high power efficiently.
Application Challenges
In EVTOL applications, fast charging of batteries is critical to ensure operational efficiency and safety. The challenge lies in charging the battery quickly without overheating the cells or causing lithium plating, which can degrade performance and lead to safety hazards. High energy density is essential for extending flight times, while effective thermal management is crucial to prevent overheating during rapid charging. The Amprius SA02 cell's specifications support these needs, with its high volumetric energy density and robust discharge capabilities, making it suitable for demanding UAV missions.
Why this Cell
The Amprius SA02 cell is particularly suited for EVTOL 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, allowing for high power output during critical phases of flight. Its volumetric energy density of 740 Wh/l is also in the top-quartile, ensuring that the battery can store significant energy without adding excessive weight. This combination of high energy and power density is vital for fast charging applications, as it enables rapid energy transfer while maintaining safety and performance.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a crucial role in optimising battery performance for EVTOL applications. By modelling 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 cells based on realistic operational scenarios, ensuring that the chosen battery can handle the demands of fast charging without overheating or degrading. The ability to simulate these factors helps in making informed decisions, reducing the risk of failure and enhancing overall mission reliability.
