Amprius SA88 Drones 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.
Discover the Amprius SA88 cell for drones, designed for fast charging without overheating, ensuring safety and efficiency in UAV applications.
Value Propositions
Pouch form factor with 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 of 210 Wh/kg.
Maximum continuous charge of 100 A, among the highest in the database.
Volumetric power density of 7968 W/l, +58% vs database median of 2029 W/l.
About the Cell
The Amprius SA88 cell is designed in a pouch form factor, offering a nominal capacity of 33.15 Wh and 9.75 Ah. With a volumetric energy density of 777 Wh/l, it ranks in the top-quartile compared to the database median of 542 Wh/l. The gravimetric energy density is 356 Wh/kg, which is around the median of 210 Wh/kg. The cell's maximum continuous charge capability of 100 A places it among the highest in the database, ensuring rapid charging capabilities essential for drone applications. Additionally, the volumetric power density of 7968 W/l is significantly higher than the median of 2029 W/l, making it suitable for high-performance UAVs.
Application Challenges
In the context of drones, fast charging presents unique challenges. The need to charge batteries quickly without overheating is critical, as overheating can lead to lithium plating, which degrades battery performance and can pose safety risks. The Amprius SA88 cell addresses these challenges with its high maximum continuous charge of 100 A, allowing for rapid energy replenishment while maintaining thermal stability. This capability is vital for applications requiring quick turnaround times, such as emergency response or time-sensitive deliveries. Furthermore, the lightweight design of the SA88 cell contributes to overall drone efficiency, enhancing flight times and payload capacities.
Why this Cell
The Amprius SA88 cell is particularly suited for drone applications due to its impressive specifications. With a maximum continuous charge of 100 A, it supports fast charging without compromising safety, addressing the critical challenge of overheating. The cell's volumetric energy density of 777 Wh/l is in the top-quartile compared to the median of 542 Wh/l, providing drones with the energy needed for extended missions. This high energy density, combined with a gravimetric energy density of 356 Wh/kg, ensures that drones can carry heavier payloads while maintaining optimal flight times. The combination of these metrics makes the SA88 an excellent choice for UAV battery pack design and optimisation.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a crucial role in optimising the performance of the Amprius SA88 cell for drone applications. By simulating load profiles, engineers can predict how the cell will behave under various conditions, including thermal rise and voltage sag. This predictive capability allows for the selection of the most suitable cells for specific missions, ensuring that drones can operate efficiently without risking battery failure. For instance, modelling can help identify the optimal charging rates that prevent overheating while maximising energy input. This approach not only enhances the reliability of drone operations but also reduces the need for extensive trial-and-error testing, saving time and resources.
