Amprius SA30 Safety and risk management - particularly around overheating and thermal runaway during flight.
Discover the Amprius SA30 cell, designed for safety in EVTOL applications, optimising performance while preventing overheating and thermal runaway.
Value Propositions
Pouch form factor with nominal capacity of 87.72 Wh and 25.8 Ah.
Volumetric energy density of 699 Wh/l, top-quartile vs median of 541.67 Wh/l.
Gravimetric energy density of 325 Wh/kg, around median of 210 Wh/kg.
Maximum continuous discharge of 103.2 A, top-quartile vs median of 30 A.
Volumetric power density of 2796 W/l, +38% vs median of 2029 W/l.
About the Cell
The Amprius SA30 cell is a pouch-type lithium-ion battery with a nominal capacity of 87.72 Wh and 25.8 Ah. It boasts a volumetric energy density of 699 Wh/l, placing it in the top-quartile compared to the database median of 541.67 Wh/l. The gravimetric energy density is 325 Wh/kg, which is around the median of 210 Wh/kg. With a maximum continuous discharge of 103.2 A, it significantly exceeds the median of 30 A, making it suitable for demanding applications. Additionally, the cell has a volumetric power density of 2796 W/l, which is +38% higher than the median of 2029 W/l, ensuring it can deliver high power outputs when required.
Application Challenges
In the EVTOL sector, safety and risk management are paramount, particularly concerning overheating and thermal runaway during flight. The Amprius SA30 cell's high energy density is crucial for extending flight times while maintaining safety. The ability to manage thermal performance effectively is essential, as overheating can lead to catastrophic failures. The high discharge rates required for UAV operations necessitate batteries that can handle significant current without overheating, making the selection of the right cell critical. The SA30's specifications allow for efficient thermal management, reducing the risk of thermal runaway and ensuring reliable operation in various environmental conditions.
Why this Cell
The Amprius SA30 cell is specifically designed for UAV applications, where safety and performance are critical. With a maximum continuous charge of 52.0 A, it operates at a high level compared to the median of 8 A, allowing for rapid charging without compromising safety. Its volumetric energy density of 699 Wh/l ensures that UAVs can achieve longer flight times, addressing the challenge of extending drone flight time. Moreover, the cell's high discharge capability of 103.2 A positions it in the top-quartile, making it suitable for high-demand applications where power is crucial. This combination of high energy and power density makes the SA30 an ideal choice for UAV battery pack design.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a vital role in optimising the performance of the Amprius SA30 cell for 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 before they occur, ensuring that the cell operates within safe limits. Additionally, simulations can help determine the optimal charge and discharge rates, maximising the cell's efficiency and lifespan. By accurately predicting the usable energy and thermal rise, designers can confidently select the SA30 cell for specific mission profiles, enhancing overall UAV performance and reliability.
