Amprius SA02 Weight v power trade off in pack design - how to pick the right balance.
Explore the Amprius SA02 cell for UAV battery design, optimising weight and power for enhanced drone performance and endurance.
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 features a pouch form factor with a nominal capacity of 38.5 Wh and 11.0 Ah. It boasts a volumetric energy density of 740 Wh/l, which is in the top-quartile compared to the median of 542 Wh/l in the database. The gravimetric energy density stands at 340 Wh/kg, which is around the median of 210 Wh/kg. Additionally, the cell has a maximum continuous discharge rate of 33.0 A, placing it in the top-quartile against the median of 30 A. The volumetric power density is measured at 2,219 W/l, which is around the median of 2,029 W/l, making it suitable for high-performance UAV applications.
Application Challenges
In the context of EVTOL and the weight versus power trade-off in pack design, selecting the right battery cell is crucial. The challenge lies in balancing the need for high energy density to extend flight times while ensuring the battery pack remains lightweight. This is particularly important for UAVs, where every gram counts towards payload capacity and overall efficiency. The Amprius SA02 cell addresses these challenges with its impressive energy and power densities, enabling longer missions without compromising on performance. The ability to optimise battery weight directly impacts the UAV's operational capabilities, making it essential to choose cells that excel in both energy and power metrics.
Why this Cell
The Amprius SA02 cell is an excellent choice for UAV applications due to its high volumetric energy density of 740 Wh/l, which is in the top-quartile compared to the median of 542 Wh/l. This allows for longer endurance flights, essential for missions requiring extended operational time. Additionally, its maximum continuous discharge rate of 33.0 A positions it well for high-demand applications, ensuring that the UAV can perform under varying load conditions without overheating. The combination of high energy density and robust discharge capabilities makes the SA02 a prime candidate for custom UAV battery packs, optimising both weight and performance.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a critical role in selecting the right battery cell for UAV applications. By modelling load profiles, thermal behaviour, and voltage response, engineers can accurately predict how a cell will perform under real-world conditions. For instance, simulating the thermal rise during high discharge scenarios helps in identifying cells that maintain performance without overheating. This predictive capability allows for confident selection of the Amprius SA02 cell, ensuring it meets the specific demands of EVTOL applications. Furthermore, using cell-specific data enables accurate predictions of usable energy and flight times, facilitating better mission planning and operational efficiency.
