Amprius SA11 Safety and risk management - particularly around overheating and thermal runaway during flight.
Explore the Amprius SA11 cell for UAV applications, focusing on safety and risk management against overheating and thermal runaway during flight.
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 for UAV applications, featuring a pouch form factor that allows for 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 database median of 542 Wh/l. The gravimetric energy density of 334 Wh/kg is around the median of 210 Wh/kg, making it suitable for lightweight drone battery packs. Additionally, the cell boasts a maximum continuous discharge of 90 A, which is significantly higher than the median of 30 A, ensuring robust performance during demanding operations. The volumetric power density of 2,174 W/l is also noteworthy, being around the median of 2,029 W/l, which is crucial for applications requiring high power output.
Application Challenges
In the context of EVTOL and safety and risk management, particularly around overheating and thermal runaway during flight, the Amprius SA11 cell addresses critical challenges. UAVs often operate in environments where thermal management is paramount. The high energy density of 725 Wh/l allows for extended flight times, which is essential for missions that require reliability and endurance. However, the risk of thermal runaway is a significant concern; thus, the ability to manage heat generation effectively is vital. The maximum continuous discharge of 90 A ensures that the cell can handle high power demands without overheating, making it a suitable choice for heavy lift drone batteries and long endurance drone batteries.
Why this Cell
The Amprius SA11 cell is an excellent choice for UAV applications due to its impressive specifications. With a volumetric energy density of 725 Wh/l, it is in the top-quartile compared to the median of 542 Wh/l, allowing for longer flight times without increasing weight. The maximum continuous discharge of 90 A is crucial for high discharge rate UAV batteries, ensuring that the cell can deliver the necessary power during critical phases of flight. Additionally, the gravimetric energy density of 334 Wh/kg is around the median of 210 Wh/kg, making it a lightweight option for drone battery design. This combination of high energy and power densities makes the Amprius SA11 cell ideal for applications where safety and performance are paramount.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a crucial role in optimising the performance of the Amprius SA11 cell in UAV applications. By modelling load profiles, thermal behaviour, and voltage response, engineers can predict how the cell will perform under various conditions. This approach allows for the identification of potential overheating issues and enables the design of effective battery thermal management systems for drones. For instance, simulations can help determine the maximum continuous discharge capabilities and the thermal rise during operation, ensuring that the cell operates within safe limits. This predictive capability is essential for UAV battery performance testing, allowing for informed decisions in cell selection and design, ultimately enhancing mission reliability and safety.
