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Amprius SA88 Drone Battery for Safety and Risk Management - Overheating and Thermal Runaway Challenges

Explore the Amprius SA88 drone battery designed for safety and risk management, addressing overheating and thermal runaway during flight.

Value Propositions

  • Pouch form factor with a nominal capacity of 33.15 Wh and 9.75 Ah.

  • Volumetric energy density of 777 Wh/l, top-quartile vs median of 542 Wh/l.

  • Gravimetric energy density of 356 Wh/kg, around median vs 210 Wh/kg.

  • Maximum continuous charge of 100 A, among the highest in the database.

  • Volumetric power density of 7968 W/l, +62% vs median of 2029 W/l.

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About the Cell

The Amprius SA88 battery is designed specifically for drone applications, featuring a pouch form factor that optimises space and weight. With a nominal capacity of 33.15 Wh and 9.75 Ah, it provides substantial energy for extended flight times. The volumetric energy density of 777 Wh/l places it in the top-quartile compared to the median of 542 Wh/l in the market, ensuring that drones can carry more payload without compromising performance. Additionally, the gravimetric energy density of 356 Wh/kg is around the median of 210 Wh/kg, making it a competitive choice for lightweight drone battery packs. The maximum continuous charge of 100 A positions it among the highest in the database, allowing for rapid recharging and efficient energy management during flight. Furthermore, the volumetric power density of 7968 W/l is +62% higher than the median of 2029 W/l, enabling high power output for demanding applications.

Application Challenges

In the realm of drones, safety and risk management are paramount, particularly concerning overheating and thermal runaway during flight. Drones operate in various environments, often facing extreme conditions that can lead to battery failures if not properly managed. The Amprius SA88 battery addresses these challenges by providing high energy and power densities, which are crucial for maintaining performance while ensuring safety. The ability to manage heat generation effectively is essential for preventing thermal runaway, a significant risk in lithium-ion cells for drones. The high discharge rates required for various drone applications necessitate a battery that can deliver consistent performance without overheating, making the SA88 an ideal choice for UAV battery pack design.

Why this Cell

The Amprius SA88 battery is engineered to meet the rigorous demands of drone applications, particularly in safety and risk management. With a maximum continuous charge of 100 A, it supports high discharge rates, essential for maintaining drone performance during critical operations. The volumetric energy density of 777 Wh/l is in the top-quartile compared to the median of 542 Wh/l, allowing for longer flight times and improved mission endurance. Additionally, the gravimetric energy density of 356 Wh/kg ensures that the battery remains lightweight, which is crucial for drone efficiency. This combination of high energy and power densities makes the SA88 an excellent choice for custom UAV battery packs, ensuring that drones can operate safely and effectively in challenging environments.

How Model-Based Design Helps

Simulation and model-based design play a vital role in optimising the performance of the Amprius SA88 battery for drone applications. By modelling load profiles, thermal behaviour, and voltage responses, engineers can predict how the battery will perform under various conditions. This approach allows for the identification of potential overheating issues before they occur, ensuring that the battery operates within safe limits. For instance, simulations can assess the thermal rise during high discharge scenarios, enabling the selection of the most suitable cells for specific missions. This predictive capability is crucial for preventing thermal runaway and ensuring reliable drone operations, particularly in safety-critical applications. By leveraging cell-specific data, engineers can make informed decisions that enhance battery thermal management for drones, ultimately leading to improved UAV performance and mission success.

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