Amprius SA08 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 fast charging UAV applications, optimising performance while preventing overheating and lithium plating issues.
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 3652 W/l, among the highest in the database.
About the Cell
The Amprius SA08 cell features a pouch form factor, providing a nominal capacity of 36.72 Wh and 10.8 Ah. Its volumetric energy density of 730 Wh/l is in the top-quartile compared to the database median of 542 Wh/l, making it ideal for applications requiring high energy density. The gravimetric energy density stands at 338 Wh/kg, which is significantly above the median of 210 Wh/kg, ensuring that the cell remains lightweight for drone applications. Additionally, the maximum continuous discharge rate of 54 A allows for robust performance under demanding conditions, while the volumetric power density of 3652 W/l is among the highest in the database, facilitating rapid energy delivery when needed.
Application Challenges
In the context of EVTOL and the fast charge of the batteries, the challenge lies in charging the battery quickly without overheating the cells or causing lithium plating. This is critical for maintaining battery integrity and performance. The Amprius SA08 cell's high energy density and robust discharge capabilities are essential in addressing these challenges. The ability to manage thermal conditions effectively is paramount, as overheating can lead to battery degradation or failure. Thus, optimising charge rates while ensuring safety is a key focus for UAV applications, particularly in demanding environments.
Why this Cell
The Amprius SA08 cell is specifically designed for fast charging applications, with a maximum continuous charge rate of 32.4 A, which is significantly above the median of 8 A in the database. This allows for rapid energy replenishment, essential for UAV operations that require quick turnaround times. The cell's volumetric energy density of 730 Wh/l ensures that it can store substantial energy without adding excessive weight, which is crucial for maintaining flight efficiency. Furthermore, its high gravimetric power density of 1692 W/kg supports high discharge rates, making it suitable for applications that demand immediate power delivery.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a critical role in optimising the performance of the Amprius SA08 cell under various operational scenarios. By modelling load profiles, thermal rise, and voltage sag, engineers can predict how the cell will behave under different charging conditions. This predictive capability allows for the selection of the most suitable cells for specific UAV applications, ensuring that the battery can deliver the required thrust and energy without overheating. Additionally, simulations can help in understanding the usable energy across the entire flight envelope, enabling better mission planning and enhancing overall UAV performance.
