Amprius SA11 Weight v power trade off in pack design - how to pick the right balance.
Explore the Amprius SA11 cell for UAV applications, balancing weight and power for optimal drone performance in demanding environments.
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 2174 W/l, around median of 2029 W/l.
About the Cell
The Amprius SA11 cell is designed as a pouch cell, featuring a nominal capacity of 105.0 Wh and 30.0 Ah. It boasts a volumetric energy density of 725 Wh/l, placing it in the top-quartile compared to the database median of 542 Wh/l. The gravimetric energy density is 334 Wh/kg, which is around the median of 210 Wh/kg. With a maximum continuous discharge of 90 A, it is also in the top-quartile compared to the median of 30 A. Additionally, the cell has a volumetric power density of 2174 W/l, which is around the median of 2029 W/l, making it suitable for demanding UAV applications.
Application Challenges
In the context of EVTOL and the weight versus power trade-off in pack design, selecting the right battery is crucial. Drones require a careful balance between weight and energy output to ensure optimal flight performance. High energy density is essential for extending flight times, while power density is critical for handling peak loads during operation. The Amprius SA11 cell's specifications make it a strong candidate for addressing these challenges, particularly in applications where every gram counts and performance is paramount.
Why this Cell
The Amprius SA11 cell is particularly well-suited for UAV applications due to its impressive metrics. With a maximum continuous discharge of 90 A, it is in the top-quartile compared to the median of 30 A, ensuring that it can handle high power demands during flight. Its volumetric energy density of 725 Wh/l is also a significant advantage, providing more energy in a smaller volume, which is essential for UAV design. This cell's combination of high energy and power densities allows for effective weight versus power trade-offs, making it an ideal choice for drone battery design.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a vital role in optimising battery selection for UAV applications. By modelling load profiles, thermal behaviour, and voltage response, engineers can predict how the Amprius SA11 cell will perform under various conditions. This approach allows for the identification of the best cell for specific mission profiles, ensuring that the selected battery can deliver the required energy and power without overheating or failing. Accurate simulations help in making informed decisions, reducing the risk of costly trial-and-error testing, and ultimately enhancing UAV mission success rates.
