Amprius SA65 Drones Weight v power trade off in pack design - how to pick the right balance.
Explore the Amprius SA65 cell for drones, optimising weight and power for enhanced performance in UAV applications. Discover its unique advantages.
Value Propositions
Nominal capacity of 4.38 Wh and 1.27 Ah for efficient energy storage.
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 1,839 W/l, around median of 2,029 W/l.
About the Cell
The Amprius SA65 cell features a pouch form factor, providing a nominal capacity of 4.38 Wh and 1.27 Ah. It boasts a volumetric energy density of 458 Wh/l, which is top-quartile compared to the median of 542 Wh/l in the database. The gravimetric energy density stands at 359 Wh/kg, which is around the median of 210 Wh/kg. Additionally, the cell has a maximum continuous discharge of 5.1 A, placing it in the top-quartile compared to the median of 30 A. With a volumetric power density of 1,839 W/l, it is around the median of 2,029 W/l, making it suitable for demanding applications in drone technology.
Application Challenges
In the realm of drones, the challenge of balancing weight and power in battery pack design is critical. The Amprius SA65 cell addresses this challenge by providing high energy density, which is essential for extending flight times while keeping the overall weight of the UAV low. This balance is crucial for applications requiring long endurance, such as surveillance, delivery, and industrial inspections. The ability to optimise battery performance directly impacts mission success and operational efficiency, making the selection of the right cell vital for UAV manufacturers.
Why this Cell
The Amprius SA65 cell is particularly suited for drone applications due to its impressive metrics. With a nominal capacity of 4.38 Wh, it offers substantial energy storage, while its volumetric energy density of 458 Wh/l is top-quartile compared to the median of 542 Wh/l. This means it can deliver more energy in a smaller space, which is essential for lightweight drone battery packs. Furthermore, the maximum continuous discharge of 5.1 A ensures that the cell can handle high power demands, making it ideal for UAV battery optimisation. The combination of these features allows for effective weight vs power trade-offs, enhancing overall drone performance.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a crucial role in optimising battery selection for drones. By modelling load profiles, thermal behaviour, and voltage response, engineers can predict how the Amprius SA65 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 profile. For instance, simulating the thermal rise during high discharge scenarios helps prevent overheating, which is critical for maintaining battery integrity and performance. This data-driven methodology supports informed decision-making, reducing the risk of costly trial-and-error testing.
