Amprius SA08 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.
Discover the Amprius SA08 cell for drones, designed for fast charging without overheating. Achieve optimal performance and safety in UAV applications.
Value Propositions
Pouch form factor with a nominal capacity of 36.72 Wh and 10.8 Ah.
Volumetric energy density of 730 Wh/l, placing it in the top-quartile vs median.
Gravimetric energy density of 338 Wh/kg, ensuring lightweight drone battery packs.
Maximum continuous discharge of 54 A, supporting high discharge rate UAV batteries.
Volumetric power density of 3,652 W/l, +80% vs database median of 2,029 W/l.
About the Cell
The Amprius SA08 cell is a pouch-type battery with a nominal capacity of 36.72 Wh (10.8 Ah). It boasts a volumetric energy density of 730 Wh/l, which is among the highest in the database, and a gravimetric energy density of 338 Wh/kg, ensuring lightweight designs for UAV applications. The cell's volumetric power density stands at 3,652 W/l, which is +80% vs the database median of 2,029 W/l, making it ideal for rapid energy delivery. Additionally, the maximum continuous discharge rate of 54 A allows for high-performance applications, while the maximum continuous charge rate of 32.4 A ensures quick recharging capabilities. This combination of features makes the SA08 a prime choice for drone battery design and UAV battery pack design.
Application Challenges
In the context of drones, fast charging presents significant challenges. The need to charge batteries quickly without overheating is critical, as overheating can lead to lithium plating, which degrades battery performance and poses safety risks. The Amprius SA08 cell addresses these challenges with its high maximum continuous charge rate of 32.4 A and robust thermal management capabilities. This ensures that UAVs can achieve optimal performance during rapid charging cycles, extending drone flight time and improving mission endurance. Effective battery thermal management for drones is essential to prevent overheating and ensure safe operation, especially in demanding environments.
Why this Cell
The Amprius SA08 cell is specifically designed for the fast charging needs of drones. With a maximum continuous charge rate of 32.4 A (3.0 C), it allows for rapid energy replenishment while maintaining safety standards. The cell's volumetric energy density of 730 Wh/l is in the top-quartile compared to the database median, enabling lightweight drone battery packs that do not compromise on performance. Furthermore, its high gravimetric power density of 1,692 W/kg supports high discharge rates, essential for UAVs that require quick bursts of energy during flight. This combination of features makes the SA08 an excellent choice for custom UAV battery packs, ensuring reliability and efficiency in demanding applications.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a crucial role in optimising the performance of the Amprius SA08 cell for drone applications. By modelling load profiles, thermal behaviour, and voltage response, engineers can predict how the cell will perform under various conditions. This predictive capability allows for the selection of the best battery cells for drone endurance, ensuring that the chosen cell meets the specific demands of the mission. For instance, simulating the thermal rise during rapid charging can help identify potential overheating issues before they occur, allowing for proactive design adjustments. Additionally, accurate predictions of state of charge (SOC) enable operators to make informed decisions about mission feasibility, especially in extreme environments. Overall, simulation enhances UAV battery performance testing and contributes to improved drone powertrain efficiency.
