Amprius SA11 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 SA11 cell for drones, designed for fast charging without overheating, ensuring safety and efficiency in UAV applications.
Value Propositions
Pouch form factor with a nominal capacity of 105.0 Wh and 30.0 Ah.
Volumetric energy density of 725 Wh/l, +39% vs database median of 541 Wh/l.
Gravimetric energy density of 334 Wh/kg, +59% vs database median of 210 Wh/kg.
Maximum continuous discharge of 90 A, top-quartile vs median of 30 A.
Volumetric power density of 2,174 W/l, +7% vs database median of 2,029 W/l.
About the Cell
The Amprius SA11 cell is a pouch-type lithium-ion battery designed specifically for drone applications. With a nominal capacity of 105.0 Wh and 30.0 Ah, it offers impressive energy storage capabilities. The cell boasts a volumetric energy density of 725 Wh/l, which is 39% higher than the database median of 541 Wh/l, making it suitable for long endurance drone batteries. Additionally, its gravimetric energy density of 334 Wh/kg exceeds the median by 59%, ensuring lightweight drone battery packs. The maximum continuous discharge rate of 90 A places it in the top-quartile compared to the median of 30 A, allowing for high discharge rate UAV batteries. Furthermore, its volumetric power density of 2,174 W/l is 7% above the median, providing the necessary power for demanding drone applications.
Application Challenges
In the realm of drones, fast charging of batteries presents significant challenges. The need to charge quickly without overheating cells or causing lithium plating is critical to maintaining battery integrity and safety. Overheating can lead to thermal runaway, while lithium plating can degrade performance and increase fire risk. The Amprius SA11 cell addresses these challenges with its high energy density and robust thermal management capabilities. The ability to handle a maximum continuous charge of 30 A at a C-rate of 1.0 ensures that the battery can be charged rapidly while maintaining safe operating temperatures. This is essential for applications requiring quick turnaround times, such as emergency response or time-sensitive deliveries.
Why this Cell
The Amprius SA11 cell is engineered for optimal performance in drone applications, particularly where fast charging is essential. With a maximum continuous discharge of 90 A, it supports high discharge rates necessary for UAVs, ensuring that drones can perform demanding tasks without compromising battery safety. The cell's volumetric energy density of 725 Wh/l allows for extended flight times, making it ideal for long endurance drone batteries. Additionally, its gravimetric energy density of 334 Wh/kg contributes to lightweight drone battery packs, enhancing overall drone efficiency. These metrics position the SA11 as a leading choice for UAV battery pack design, enabling manufacturers to create custom UAV battery packs that meet specific mission requirements.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a crucial role in optimising battery performance for drone applications. By simulating load profiles, thermal behaviour, and voltage response, engineers can predict how the Amprius SA11 cell will perform under various conditions. This approach allows for accurate modelling of heat generation and internal temperature rise during fast charging, ensuring that the battery remains within safe limits. Furthermore, simulations can help identify the optimal charging strategies that prevent overheating and lithium plating, thus enhancing battery longevity and reliability. By leveraging cell-specific data, designers can make informed decisions about battery thermal management, ultimately improving UAV mission endurance and operational efficiency.
