Amprius SA65 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 fast charging in EVTOL applications, overcoming overheating and lithium plating challenges with high energy density.
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 with 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 database median of 542 Wh/l. The gravimetric energy density stands at 359 Wh/kg, which is around the median of 210 Wh/kg. Additionally, the cell boasts a maximum continuous discharge rate of 5.1 A, placing it in the top-quartile against the median of 30 A. Its volumetric power density of 1839 W/l is also around the median of 2029 W/l, making it a competitive choice for high-performance applications.
Application Challenges
In EVTOL applications, fast charging of batteries is critical to ensure operational efficiency. The challenge lies in charging the battery quickly without overheating the cells or causing lithium plating, which can degrade the battery or lead to safety hazards. High current draw during charging can generate excessive heat, risking thermal runaway and reducing battery lifespan. Therefore, selecting cells that can handle high charge rates while maintaining thermal stability is essential for safe and effective UAV operations.
Why this Cell
The Amprius SA65 cell is particularly suited for fast charging in EVTOL applications due to its impressive specifications. With a maximum continuous charge rate of 1.34 A, it is well within the range needed for rapid charging without compromising safety. The cell's volumetric energy density of 458 Wh/l, which is in the top-quartile compared to the median of 542 Wh/l, ensures that it can store significant energy in a compact form. This combination of high energy density and robust thermal performance makes the SA65 an ideal choice for UAV battery optimisation, allowing for extended flight times and improved mission endurance.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a crucial role in optimising battery performance for EVTOL applications. By modelling load profiles and thermal behaviour, engineers can predict how the Amprius SA65 cell will perform under various charging conditions. This includes assessing heat generation during rapid charging and understanding voltage sag under load. Such simulations enable the selection of the most suitable cells for specific mission profiles, ensuring that the UAV can operate efficiently without overheating or risking battery integrity. This predictive capability is essential for maintaining high levels of safety and reliability in UAV operations.
