Amprius SA88 Drones Weight v power trade off in pack design - how to pick the right balance.
Discover the Amprius SA88 cell for drones, optimising weight and power for enhanced performance in UAV applications. Learn more about its capabilities.
Value Propositions
Pouch form factor for lightweight design.
Nominal capacity of 33.15 Wh and 9.75 Ah.
Volumetric energy density of 777 Wh/l, top-quartile vs median.
Gravimetric power density of 3,656 W/kg, among the highest in database.
Maximum continuous charge of 100 A, top-quartile vs median.
About the Cell
The Amprius SA88 cell is designed specifically for drone applications, featuring a pouch form factor that allows for a lightweight and compact design. With a nominal capacity of 33.15 Wh and 9.75 Ah, it provides significant energy storage for extended flight times. The volumetric energy density of 777 Wh/l positions it in the top-quartile compared to the database median of 542 Wh/l, making it an excellent choice for high energy density drone batteries. Additionally, the gravimetric energy density of 356 Wh/kg is also impressive, ensuring that the weight of the battery does not compromise the drone's performance. The cell's volumetric power density of 7,968 W/l is among the highest in the database, allowing for rapid energy delivery when needed. Furthermore, the maximum continuous charge of 100 A places it in the top-quartile compared to the median of 30 A, enabling quick recharging capabilities that are essential for UAV operations. Overall, the SA88 cell is engineered to meet the demanding requirements of drone battery design, ensuring optimal performance in various applications.
Application Challenges
In the context of drones, the challenge of balancing weight and power in battery pack design is critical. Drones require batteries that not only provide sufficient energy for extended flight times but also maintain a lightweight profile to enhance manoeuvrability and efficiency. The Amprius SA88 cell addresses these challenges effectively. With its high energy density, it allows for longer endurance in flight, which is essential for applications such as industrial inspections, surveillance, and delivery services. The weight of the battery directly impacts the payload capacity and overall performance of the drone, making it imperative to select cells that optimise this trade-off. Moreover, as UAVs operate in various environments, the ability to prevent overheating and ensure safe operation under high discharge rates is paramount. The SA88 cell's robust design and thermal management capabilities make it suitable for extreme conditions, ensuring reliability and safety during missions.
Why this Cell
The Amprius SA88 cell stands out in the competitive landscape of drone batteries due to its exceptional specifications. With a volumetric energy density of 777 Wh/l, it is positioned in the top-quartile compared to the median of 542 Wh/l, providing significant advantages in terms of energy storage without adding excessive weight. The gravimetric power density of 3,656 W/kg is among the highest in the database, ensuring that the cell can deliver power efficiently during critical flight phases. Additionally, the maximum continuous charge rate of 100 A places it in the top-quartile, allowing for rapid recharging and minimal downtime between missions. These features make the SA88 cell an ideal choice for UAV battery optimisation, enabling longer flight times and improved mission endurance while maintaining a lightweight profile. The combination of high energy and power densities ensures that drone manufacturers can design lightweight battery packs that do not compromise on performance, making the SA88 a preferred option for custom UAV battery packs.
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 accurately predict how the Amprius SA88 cell will perform under various operational conditions. For instance, simulating the thermal rise during high discharge scenarios helps in understanding the cell's limits and ensuring that it operates safely within its specifications. Additionally, modelling usable energy allows for precise calculations of flight time based on different payloads and environmental conditions. This approach enables engineers to make informed decisions when selecting cells for UAVs, ensuring that the chosen battery not only meets the energy requirements but also performs reliably throughout the mission. By leveraging simulation, manufacturers can avoid costly trial-and-error testing, leading to faster development cycles and more efficient designs that enhance drone powertrain efficiency.
