Amprius SA11 Drones Weight v power trade off in pack design - how to pick the right balance.
Explore the Amprius SA11 cell for drones, optimising weight and power for enhanced performance in UAV applications. Discover its advantages today.
Value Propositions
Pouch form factor with nominal capacity of 105.0 Wh and 30.0 Ah.
Volumetric energy density of 725 Wh/l, top-quartile vs median 542 Wh/l.
Gravimetric energy density of 334 Wh/kg, around median vs 210 Wh/kg.
Maximum continuous discharge of 90 A, among the highest in database.
Gravimetric power density of 1003 W/kg, top-quartile vs median 750 W/kg.
About the Cell
The Amprius SA11 cell is designed specifically for drone applications, featuring a pouch form factor that allows for efficient space utilisation. With a nominal capacity of 105.0 Wh and 30.0 Ah, it provides substantial energy storage for extended flight times. The cell boasts a volumetric energy density of 725 Wh/l, which is in the top-quartile compared to the median of 542 Wh/l in the database. This high energy density is crucial for drone battery design, allowing for lightweight yet powerful battery packs. Additionally, the gravimetric energy density stands at 334 Wh/kg, which is around the median of 210 Wh/kg, ensuring a balance between weight and energy storage. The maximum continuous discharge rate of 90 A positions it among the highest in the database, making it suitable for high-performance UAV applications. Furthermore, the gravimetric power density of 1003 W/kg is also in the top-quartile, ensuring that the cell can deliver power efficiently during demanding flight conditions.
Application Challenges
In the realm of drone technology, the challenge of balancing weight and power in battery pack design is paramount. The Amprius SA11 cell addresses the critical need for lightweight drone battery packs that do not compromise on performance. As UAVs require high energy density to extend flight times, the SA11's impressive volumetric energy density of 725 Wh/l allows for longer missions without increasing the overall weight of the drone. This is particularly important in applications such as long endurance drone batteries and heavy lift drone batteries, where every gram counts. Additionally, the ability to manage high discharge rates is essential for maintaining drone powertrain efficiency, especially in dynamic flight scenarios. The SA11's maximum continuous discharge of 90 A ensures that it can meet the demands of various UAV missions, from industrial inspections to emergency response operations.
Why this Cell
The Amprius SA11 cell is an optimal choice for drone applications due to its impressive specifications that directly address the challenges of weight versus power trade-offs. With a volumetric energy density of 725 Wh/l, it is positioned in the top-quartile compared to the database median of 542 Wh/l, making it ideal for long endurance drone batteries. The cell's gravimetric energy density of 334 Wh/kg, while around the median, still provides a solid foundation for lightweight UAV battery pack design. Furthermore, the maximum continuous discharge rate of 90 A ensures that the battery can handle high power demands, which is crucial for UAV battery optimisation. This capability, combined with the cell's high gravimetric power density of 1003 W/kg, allows for efficient energy delivery during critical flight phases, ensuring that the drone performs reliably under various conditions.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a vital role in optimising the performance of the Amprius SA11 cell for drone applications. By modelling load profiles, engineers can accurately predict how the cell will behave under different operational scenarios, including varying temperatures and states of charge (SoC). This predictive capability is essential for ensuring that the drone can deliver the required thrust and energy throughout its flight envelope. For instance, simulating the thermal behaviour of the cell helps in understanding heat generation and internal temperature rise, which is crucial for preventing overheating and ensuring safe operation. Additionally, by analysing voltage sag and usable energy, designers can make informed decisions about cell selection and battery pack configuration. This approach not only enhances the reliability of UAV missions but also reduces the need for costly trial-and-error testing, ultimately leading to more efficient and effective drone battery designs.
