Amprius SA65 Drones Safety and risk management - particularly around overheating and thermal runaway during flight.
Explore the Amprius SA65 cell for drones, designed for safety and risk management against overheating and thermal runaway during flight, ensuring reliability.
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 a pouch-type lithium-ion battery designed specifically for drone applications. With a nominal capacity of 4.38 Wh and 1.27 Ah, it provides a robust energy solution for UAVs. Its volumetric energy density of 458 Wh/l places it in the top-quartile compared to the median of 542 Wh/l in the market, making it an excellent choice for long endurance drone batteries. Additionally, the gravimetric energy density of 359 Wh/kg is around the median of 210 Wh/kg, ensuring lightweight performance without sacrificing energy capacity. The cell also boasts a maximum continuous discharge of 5.1 A, which is in the top-quartile compared to the median of 30 A, allowing for high discharge rates necessary for demanding drone operations. Furthermore, the volumetric power density of 1839 W/l is around the median of 2029 W/l, providing sufficient power for various flight profiles.
Application Challenges
In the realm of drones, safety and risk management are paramount, particularly concerning overheating and thermal runaway during flight. The Amprius SA65 cell addresses these challenges by offering high energy density and robust thermal management capabilities. Drones often operate in extreme environments where temperature fluctuations can lead to battery failure. The ability to maintain performance under such conditions is critical. The SA65's design mitigates risks associated with overheating, ensuring reliable operation during extended missions. As drone technology evolves, the need for lightweight and high-capacity batteries becomes increasingly important to enhance flight time and mission endurance. The SA65's specifications align perfectly with these needs, providing a dependable power source that meets the rigorous demands of modern UAV applications.
Why this Cell
The Amprius SA65 cell is an ideal choice for drones focused on safety and risk management due to its impressive specifications. With a maximum continuous discharge of 5.1 A, it ranks in the top-quartile compared to the median of 30 A, ensuring that it can handle high discharge rates required for critical flight maneuvers. Its volumetric energy density of 458 Wh/l is also noteworthy, as it exceeds the median of 542 Wh/l, allowing for longer flight times without increasing weight. This is crucial for UAVs that need to operate efficiently in various environments. The cell's lightweight design, weighing only 12.2 g, further enhances its suitability for drone applications, where every gram counts. The combination of high energy density and robust thermal management makes the SA65 a reliable choice for preventing overheating and ensuring safe operation during demanding missions.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a vital role in optimising the performance of the Amprius SA65 cell for drone applications. By simulating load profiles and thermal behaviour, engineers can predict how the cell will perform under various conditions, including high discharge rates and extreme temperatures. This predictive capability allows for the selection of the most suitable cell for specific mission profiles, ensuring that the drone can operate safely and efficiently. For instance, simulations can model heat generation and voltage sag during flight, providing insights into the cell's thermal management needs. This data-driven approach helps in making informed decisions about battery selection and design, ultimately leading to improved UAV performance and reliability. By leveraging simulation, manufacturers can avoid costly trial-and-error testing and confidently choose the best cells for their drone designs, enhancing overall mission success.


