Amprius SA08 Drones Safety and risk management - particularly around overheating and thermal runaway during flight.
Discover the Amprius SA08 cell for drones, designed to enhance safety and performance while managing overheating and thermal runaway risks.
Value Propositions
Pouch form factor with nominal capacity of 36.72 Wh and 10.8 Ah.
Volumetric energy density of 730 Wh/l, top-quartile vs median of 541 Wh/l.
Gravimetric energy density of 338.43 Wh/kg, +61% vs database median of 210 Wh/kg.
Maximum continuous discharge of 54 A, top-quartile vs median of 30 A.
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 lithium-ion battery designed specifically for drone applications. With a nominal capacity of 36.72 Wh and 10.8 Ah, it offers a high energy density, making it suitable for long endurance missions. The volumetric energy density of 730 Wh/l places it in the top-quartile compared to the median of 541 Wh/l in the database, ensuring that drones can carry more energy without increasing weight significantly. Additionally, the gravimetric energy density of 338.43 Wh/kg is +61% higher than the database median of 210 Wh/kg, allowing for lightweight designs that do not compromise on performance. The cell also boasts a maximum continuous discharge of 54 A, which is in the top-quartile compared to the median of 30 A, enabling drones to handle demanding power requirements during flight. Furthermore, with a volumetric power density of 3,652 W/l, it exceeds the median by +80%, providing the necessary power for rapid acceleration and high-performance tasks.
Application Challenges
In the realm of drones, safety and risk management are paramount, particularly concerning overheating and thermal runaway during flight. The Amprius SA08 cell addresses these challenges head-on. High energy density is crucial for extending flight times, especially in applications requiring long endurance, such as surveillance or delivery. The risk of thermal runaway is a significant concern, as it can lead to catastrophic failures. Therefore, selecting the right battery cell is critical. The SA08's design mitigates these risks by ensuring efficient thermal management and reliable performance under various conditions. The ability to maintain stable temperatures during operation is essential for preventing overheating, which can compromise both safety and mission success.
Why this Cell
The Amprius SA08 cell is specifically engineered for drone applications, offering a combination of high energy density and robust thermal management. With a volumetric energy density of 730 Wh/l, it allows for lightweight drone battery packs that do not sacrifice performance. This is particularly important in UAV battery pack design, where every gram counts. The maximum continuous discharge of 54 A ensures that the cell can handle high power demands, making it suitable for applications requiring rapid acceleration or heavy payloads. Additionally, the gravimetric energy density of 338.43 Wh/kg is significantly higher than the median, providing an advantage in mission endurance. This cell is ideal for custom UAV battery packs that require both safety and efficiency, particularly in environments where overheating is a risk.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a crucial role in optimising the performance of the Amprius SA08 cell in drone applications. By simulating load profiles, engineers can predict how the cell will behave under various conditions, including thermal rise and voltage sag. This predictive capability allows for informed decisions when selecting battery cells for specific missions. For instance, modelling the thermal behaviour of the SA08 under different discharge rates can help identify potential overheating issues before they occur. Furthermore, simulations can assess the usable energy across the entire flight envelope, ensuring that drones can complete their missions without mid-air failures. This approach not only enhances safety but also improves overall mission planning and execution, making it a vital tool in UAV battery performance testing.
