Amprius SA11 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, designed for fast charging in EVTOL applications, ensuring safety and efficiency without overheating or degradation.
Value Propositions
Pouch form factor with a nominal capacity of 105.0 Wh and 30.0 Ah.
Volumetric energy density of 725 Wh/l, top-quartile vs median of 542 Wh/l.
Gravimetric energy density of 334 Wh/kg, around 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, around median of 2,029 W/l.
About the Cell
The Amprius SA11 cell is designed in a pouch form factor, featuring a nominal capacity of 105.0 Wh and 30.0 Ah. With a volumetric energy density of 725 Wh/l, it ranks in the top-quartile compared to the median of 542 Wh/l in the database. The gravimetric energy density stands at 334 Wh/kg, which is around the median of 210 Wh/kg. This cell also boasts a maximum continuous discharge of 90 A, placing it in the top-quartile against the median of 30 A. Furthermore, it has a volumetric power density of 2,174 W/l, which is around the median of 2,029 W/l, making it suitable for demanding applications like EVTOL. These specifications highlight the cell's capability to deliver high performance while maintaining safety and efficiency.
Application Challenges
In the EVTOL sector, fast charging of batteries is critical to ensure operational efficiency and safety. The challenge lies in charging the battery quickly without overheating the cells or causing lithium plating, which can degrade the battery and potentially lead to safety hazards. The Amprius SA11 cell addresses these challenges with its high energy density and robust thermal management capabilities. The high maximum continuous discharge of 90 A allows for rapid charging, while the cell's design mitigates the risks of overheating, ensuring that the battery can perform reliably in demanding conditions. This is essential for applications requiring quick turnaround times and extended flight durations, making the SA11 an ideal choice for UAVs and drones operating in various environments.
Why this Cell
The Amprius SA11 cell is particularly well-suited for fast charging applications in EVTOL due to its impressive specifications. With a maximum continuous charge rate of 30 A, it allows for efficient charging without compromising safety. The cell's volumetric energy density of 725 Wh/l is in the top-quartile compared to the median of 542 Wh/l, enabling longer flight times and better performance. Additionally, the gravimetric energy density of 334 Wh/kg is around the median, ensuring that the cell remains lightweight while delivering high energy output. These features make the SA11 an excellent choice for UAV battery pack design, as it balances energy capacity with safety and thermal management, crucial for preventing overheating during rapid charging.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a vital role in optimising the performance of the Amprius SA11 cell for EVTOL applications. By modelling load profiles, thermal rise, and voltage sag, engineers can predict how the cell will behave under various charging conditions. This allows for the selection of the most suitable cell for specific missions, ensuring that the battery can deliver the required energy without overheating. For instance, simulations can help identify the optimal charging strategy that maximises efficiency while minimising risks associated with lithium plating. This predictive capability is essential for UAV battery performance testing, enabling operators to make informed decisions about battery usage and maintenance, ultimately enhancing mission success and safety.
