Amprius SA65 Drones Fast charge of the batteries - how to charge the battery quickly without overheating the cells or causing lithium plating which could degrade the battery or cause it to catch fire.
Explore the Amprius SA65 cell for drones, designed for fast charging without overheating. Ideal for high-performance UAV applications.
Value Propositions
Pouch form factor with nominal capacity of 4.38 Wh and 1.27 Ah.
Volumetric energy density of 458 Wh/l, top-quartile vs median of 542 Wh/l.
Gravimetric energy density of 359 Wh/kg, around median of 210 Wh/kg.
Maximum continuous discharge of 5.1 A, top-quartile vs median of 30 A.
Volumetric power density of 1839 W/l, around median of 2029 W/l.
About the Cell
The Amprius SA65 cell is designed in a pouch form factor, featuring a nominal capacity of 4.38 Wh and 1.27 Ah. With a volumetric energy density of 458 Wh/l, it ranks in the top-quartile compared to the median of 542 Wh/l in the database. Its gravimetric energy density stands at 359 Wh/kg, which is around the median of 210 Wh/kg. The cell also boasts a maximum continuous discharge of 5.1 A, placing it in the top-quartile against the median of 30 A. Additionally, it has a volumetric power density of 1839 W/l, which is around the median of 2029 W/l, making it suitable for high-performance applications in drones.
Application Challenges
In the context of drones, fast charging of batteries presents significant challenges. The need to charge quickly without overheating the cells or causing lithium plating is critical. Overheating can lead to battery degradation or even fire, which poses a serious risk in UAV operations. The Amprius SA65 cell's design addresses these challenges by providing a high energy density while maintaining safe operating temperatures during rapid charging. The ability to manage thermal performance is essential for ensuring the longevity and reliability of drone batteries, especially in demanding environments.
Why this Cell
The Amprius SA65 cell is an excellent choice for drone applications requiring fast charging capabilities. With a maximum continuous charge of 1.34 A and a maximum continuous charge rate of 1.1 C, it allows for efficient energy transfer while minimising the risk of overheating. Its gravimetric energy density of 359 Wh/kg is around the median of 210 Wh/kg, ensuring that the cell remains lightweight, which is crucial for UAV performance. Furthermore, the cell's volumetric power density of 1839 W/l, which is around the median of 2029 W/l, supports high discharge rates necessary for demanding flight profiles, making it ideal for applications where quick bursts of power are required.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a vital role in optimising battery performance for drones. By modelling load profiles, thermal rise, voltage sag, and usable energy, engineers can accurately predict how the Amprius SA65 cell will perform under various conditions. This approach allows for the selection of cells that not only meet the energy requirements but also manage thermal behaviour effectively. For instance, simulations can help identify the optimal charging rates that prevent overheating while maximising efficiency. This predictive capability is essential for ensuring that drones can operate reliably in diverse environments, ultimately enhancing mission success rates.
