Amprius SA08 Drones Weight v power trade off in pack design - how to pick the right balance.
Explore the Amprius SA08 cell for drones, optimising weight and power trade-offs for enhanced performance in UAV applications.
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 Wh/kg, +60% vs database median of 210 Wh/kg.
Maximum continuous discharge of 54 A, top-quartile vs median of 30 A.
Volumetric power density of 3652 W/l, +80% vs database median of 2029 W/l.
About the Cell
The Amprius SA08 cell is designed with a pouch form factor, providing a nominal capacity of 36.72 Wh and 10.8 Ah. Its volumetric energy density of 730 Wh/l places it in the top-quartile compared to the database median of 541 Wh/l, making it an excellent choice for applications requiring high energy storage in compact spaces. The gravimetric energy density of 338 Wh/kg is also impressive, exceeding the median by 60%, which is crucial for lightweight drone battery packs. Furthermore, the cell boasts a maximum continuous discharge rate of 54 A, significantly higher than the median of 30 A, allowing for robust performance during demanding flight conditions. With a volumetric power density of 3652 W/l, it stands out as a top-tier option for high-performance UAVs, offering +80% vs the median of 2029 W/l.
Application Challenges
In the realm of drones, the challenge of balancing weight and power in battery pack design is paramount. The Amprius SA08 cell addresses this challenge effectively, providing high energy density without compromising on weight. For UAV applications, where every gram counts, the ability to optimise battery performance directly impacts flight time and mission success. The SA08's specifications enable engineers to design lightweight drone battery packs that can sustain longer missions, particularly in demanding environments. This is essential for applications such as industrial inspections, where extended flight times are critical for operational efficiency. The weight versus power trade-off is a crucial consideration in UAV battery pack design, and the SA08 excels in providing a solution that meets these needs.
Why this Cell
The Amprius SA08 cell is an ideal choice for drone applications due to its impressive specifications. With a nominal capacity of 36.72 Wh and a gravimetric energy density of 338 Wh/kg, it offers significant advantages over many competitors. This cell's volumetric energy density of 730 Wh/l is also noteworthy, placing it in the top-quartile compared to the median of 541 Wh/l. This high energy density allows for longer flight times, addressing the critical need for endurance in UAV missions. Additionally, the maximum continuous discharge rate of 54 A ensures that the cell can handle high power demands without overheating, making it suitable for high-performance drone applications. The combination of these features makes the SA08 a compelling choice for engineers focused on optimising UAV battery performance.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a crucial role in selecting the right battery cell for drone applications like the Amprius SA08. By modelling load profiles and thermal behaviour, engineers can predict how the cell will perform under various conditions, including high discharge rates and temperature fluctuations. This predictive capability allows for the identification of the optimal cell for specific mission profiles, ensuring that the chosen battery can deliver the required thrust and energy throughout the flight. For instance, simulating the thermal rise and voltage sag during operation helps in understanding the usable energy available, which is vital for mission planning. This approach not only enhances the reliability of the battery selection process but also reduces the risk of mid-air failures, ensuring that drones can complete their missions successfully.
