Amprius SA65 Safety and risk management - particularly around overheating and thermal runaway during flight.
Explore the Amprius SA65 cell for UAV applications, focusing on safety and risk management against overheating and thermal runaway during flight.
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.
Standard charge current of 0.268 A, around median of 2 A.
About the Cell
The Amprius SA65 cell is designed in a pouch form factor, offering 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's maximum continuous discharge rate of 5.1 A places it in the top-quartile compared to the median of 30 A, making it suitable for demanding applications. Additionally, the standard charge current of 0.268 A is around the median of 2 A, ensuring efficient charging capabilities.
Application Challenges
In the context of EVTOL applications, safety and risk management are paramount, particularly concerning overheating and thermal runaway during flight. The Amprius SA65 cell's high energy density is crucial for extending drone flight times, which is essential for mission success. Overheating can lead to catastrophic failures, making it vital to select cells that can withstand high discharge rates and maintain thermal stability. The ability to manage thermal conditions effectively is critical for ensuring the reliability and safety of UAV operations, especially in extreme environments.
Why this Cell
The Amprius SA65 cell is an excellent choice for EVTOL applications due to its impressive metrics. With a maximum continuous discharge rate of 5.1 A, it is in the top-quartile compared to the median of 30 A, ensuring that it can handle demanding power requirements. Its volumetric energy density of 458 Wh/l is also noteworthy, ranking in the top-quartile against the median of 542 Wh/l, which is essential for long endurance missions. The cell's design allows for efficient thermal management, addressing the critical challenge of overheating during flight.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a crucial role in optimising the performance of the Amprius SA65 cell for UAV applications. By modelling load profiles, thermal rise, voltage sag, and usable energy, engineers can predict how the cell will perform under various conditions. This approach allows for the selection of the most suitable cell for specific mission profiles, ensuring that the UAV can operate safely and efficiently. For instance, simulating thermal behaviour helps in understanding how the cell will react under high discharge rates, thereby preventing overheating and ensuring reliability during critical missions.
