Amprius SA30 Drones Weight v power trade off in pack design - how to pick the right balance.
Discover the Amprius SA30 cell for drones, optimising weight and power for enhanced performance in UAV applications. Perfect for your battery design needs.
Value Propositions
Pouch form factor for lightweight drone applications.
Nominal capacity of 87.72 Wh and 25.8 Ah for extended flight times.
Volumetric energy density of 699 Wh/l, top-quartile vs median.
Gravimetric power density of 1299 W/kg, ideal for high discharge rates.
Maximum continuous discharge of 103.2 A for demanding UAV tasks.
About the Cell
The Amprius SA30 cell features a pouch form factor, optimised for drone applications. With a nominal capacity of 87.72 Wh and 25.8 Ah, it delivers exceptional performance for UAVs. Its volumetric energy density of 699 Wh/l places it in the top-quartile compared to the database median, ensuring that drones can achieve longer flight times without compromising on weight. The gravimetric energy density of 324.889 Wh/kg also supports the design of lightweight drone battery packs, making it a suitable choice for various UAV applications. Additionally, the cell boasts a volumetric power density of 2796.3 W/l, which is among the highest in the database, allowing for quick bursts of power when needed. The maximum continuous discharge rate of 103.2 A ensures that the cell can handle demanding tasks without overheating, making it ideal for high-performance drone operations.
Application Challenges
In the context of drones, the challenge of balancing weight and power in battery pack design is critical. Drones require lightweight battery solutions that do not compromise on energy output. The Amprius SA30 cell addresses this challenge by providing a high energy density, which allows for longer flight times while maintaining a lightweight profile. This is particularly important for applications such as long endurance drone batteries and heavy lift drone operations, where every gram counts. The ability to optimise UAV battery packs for specific missions can significantly enhance operational efficiency and mission success rates. Furthermore, the need for reliable performance in extreme environments adds another layer of complexity to battery design, making the selection of the right cell crucial for ensuring safety and reliability.
Why this Cell
The Amprius SA30 cell is an excellent choice for drone applications due to its impressive specifications. With a nominal capacity of 87.72 Wh and a volumetric energy density of 699 Wh/l, it stands out in the market, being in the top-quartile compared to the median. This high energy density enables drones to extend their flight times, addressing the pain point of improving UAV mission endurance. Additionally, the maximum continuous discharge rate of 103.2 A allows for high discharge rate UAV batteries, ensuring that the cell can meet the demands of various flight profiles. The gravimetric power density of 1299 W/kg further supports the design of lightweight drone battery packs, making it a preferred choice for custom UAV battery packs.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a crucial role in optimising battery selection for drone applications. By modelling load profiles, thermal behaviour, and voltage responses, engineers can accurately predict how the Amprius SA30 cell will perform under various conditions. This approach allows for the identification of the best battery configurations for specific missions, ensuring that the selected cell meets the required performance criteria. For instance, simulating thermal rise and usable energy can help prevent overheating and ensure safe battery operation during demanding tasks. This predictive capability is essential for making informed decisions in UAV battery design, ultimately leading to improved drone powertrain efficiency and mission success.
