Amprius SA30 Weight v power trade off in pack design - how to pick the right balance.
Explore the Amprius SA30 cell for UAV applications, optimising weight and power for enhanced drone performance and endurance.
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, around median of 2029 W/l.
About the Cell
The Amprius SA30 cell is designed in a pouch form factor, boasting a nominal capacity of 87.72 Wh and 25.8 Ah. It features an impressive 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. Additionally, the cell achieves a maximum continuous discharge of 103.2 A, significantly outperforming the median of 30 A. With a volumetric power density of 2796 W/l, it is also around the median of 2029 W/l, making it a strong candidate for UAV applications where weight and power are critical.
Application Challenges
In the EVTOL sector, the weight versus power trade-off in pack design is crucial. UAVs require batteries that not only provide sufficient energy for extended flight times but also maintain a lightweight profile to enhance performance. The challenge lies in selecting the right battery cells that can deliver high energy density while ensuring safety and thermal management. As UAVs operate in various environments, including extreme conditions, the ability to predict battery performance under different loads and temperatures is essential for mission success.
Why this Cell
The Amprius SA30 cell is particularly suited for UAV applications due to its high volumetric energy density of 699 Wh/l, which is in the top-quartile compared to the median of 541.67 Wh/l. This allows for longer endurance in drone operations, addressing the need for lightweight drone battery packs. Furthermore, its maximum continuous discharge of 103.2 A ensures that it can handle high power demands, making it ideal for applications requiring rapid energy release. The combination of these metrics supports the weight versus power trade-off, making the SA30 an excellent choice for UAV battery optimisation.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a pivotal role in selecting the right battery cells for UAV applications. By modelling load profiles, thermal behaviour, and voltage response, engineers can predict how the Amprius SA30 cell will perform under various conditions. This approach allows for accurate assessments of usable energy and thermal management, ensuring that the selected cell meets the specific demands of the mission. For instance, simulating different flight scenarios helps in understanding the impact of weight on flight time, enabling designers to optimise battery pack configurations effectively.
