Amprius SA08 Weight v power trade off in pack design - how to pick the right balance.
Discover the Amprius SA08 cell for UAV applications, offering high energy density and optimal performance for weight vs power trade-offs in drone battery design.
Value Propositions
Pouch form factor for lightweight and compact designs.
Nominal capacity of 36.72 Wh and 10.8 Ah for extended flight times.
Volumetric energy density of 730 Wh/l, top-quartile vs median.
Gravimetric power density of 1692 W/kg, +42% vs database median.
Maximum continuous discharge of 54 A, top-quartile vs median.
About the Cell
The Amprius SA08 cell features a pouch form factor, optimised for UAV applications. With a nominal capacity of 36.72 Wh and 10.8 Ah, it provides significant energy storage for drone operations. The cell boasts a volumetric energy density of 730 Wh/l, placing it in the top-quartile compared to the database median of 541 Wh/l. Additionally, the gravimetric energy density is 338.433 Wh/kg, which is above the median of 210 Wh/kg, ensuring that the cell delivers high performance while maintaining a lightweight profile. The volumetric power density of 3651.55 W/l is also among the highest in the database, facilitating rapid energy delivery for demanding applications. With a maximum continuous discharge of 54 A, the cell is well-suited for high-drain scenarios, ensuring reliability and efficiency in UAV operations.
Application Challenges
In the context of EVTOL and the weight vs power trade-off in pack design, selecting the right battery cell is crucial. Drones require a careful balance between energy capacity and weight to optimise flight time and performance. The Amprius SA08 cell addresses these challenges by providing high energy density, which is essential for long endurance missions. The ability to deliver substantial power without excessive weight is vital for UAVs, especially in applications that demand high performance in harsh environments. The challenge lies in ensuring that the selected battery can sustain the required power output while maintaining safety and thermal stability.
Why this Cell
The Amprius SA08 cell is an excellent choice for UAV applications due to its impressive specifications. With a volumetric energy density of 730 Wh/l, it is positioned in the top-quartile compared to the median of 541 Wh/l, making it ideal for long endurance drone batteries. The maximum continuous discharge rate of 54 A ensures that the cell can handle high power demands, which is critical for applications requiring rapid acceleration or heavy lifting. Furthermore, the gravimetric power density of 1692 W/kg is +42% above the median, allowing for efficient energy use in flight. This combination of high energy and power density makes the SA08 cell a reliable option for UAV battery pack design, enabling engineers to optimise performance without compromising on weight.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a pivotal role in selecting the right battery cell for UAV applications. By modelling load profiles and thermal behaviour, engineers can predict how the Amprius SA08 cell will perform under various conditions. This includes assessing voltage sag, heat generation, and usable energy across different flight scenarios. For instance, simulating the thermal rise during high discharge rates allows for the identification of potential overheating issues, ensuring that the cell operates within safe limits. Additionally, these simulations help in understanding the energy consumption patterns, enabling designers to optimise battery pack configurations for maximum efficiency. By leveraging cell-specific data, engineers can make informed decisions, reducing the risk of costly trial-and-error testing and enhancing overall mission reliability.
