Amprius SA88 Safety and risk management - particularly around overheating and thermal runaway during flight.
Discover the Amprius SA88 cell, designed for safety in EVTOL applications, tackling overheating and thermal runaway challenges effectively.
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 database.
Volumetric power density of 7968 W/l, +63% vs database median of 2029 W/l.
About the Cell
The Amprius SA88 cell is a pouch-type lithium-ion battery with a nominal capacity of 33.15 Wh and 9.75 Ah. It boasts a volumetric energy density of 777 Wh/l, placing it in the top-quartile compared to the database median of 542 Wh/l. Its gravimetric energy density is 356 Wh/kg, which is around the median of 210 Wh/kg. The cell's maximum continuous charge rate is an impressive 100 A, which is among the highest in the database. Additionally, it features a volumetric power density of 7968 W/l, which is +63% higher than the median of 2029 W/l, making it an excellent choice for applications requiring high energy and power output.
Application Challenges
In the EVTOL sector, safety and risk management are paramount, particularly concerning overheating and thermal runaway during flight. The Amprius SA88 cell's high energy density and robust thermal management capabilities are crucial for ensuring reliable performance in these demanding environments. With a maximum continuous discharge rate of 100 A, the cell can handle the high current draws typical in EVTOL applications, reducing the risk of overheating. The ability to maintain performance under varying thermal conditions is essential for mission success, especially in scenarios where battery failure could lead to catastrophic outcomes.
Why this Cell
The Amprius SA88 cell is specifically designed to meet the rigorous demands of EVTOL applications. Its volumetric energy density of 777 Wh/l and gravimetric energy density of 356 Wh/kg provide significant advantages over competing cells, which often struggle to achieve similar performance metrics. The cell's maximum continuous charge rate of 100 A ensures that it can deliver the necessary power for rapid take-offs and sustained flight, while its high volumetric power density of 7968 W/l allows for quick energy delivery when needed. This combination of features makes the SA88 an ideal choice for UAV battery pack design, particularly in safety-critical applications.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a critical role in optimising the performance of the Amprius SA88 cell for EVTOL applications. By modelling load profiles and thermal behaviour, engineers can predict how the cell will perform under various conditions, including high discharge rates and extreme temperatures. This predictive capability allows for the selection of the most suitable cell for specific mission profiles, ensuring that the battery can deliver the required thrust and energy without risking overheating or thermal runaway. Additionally, simulation helps in understanding voltage sag and usable energy, which are vital for accurate mission planning and execution.
