Amprius SA88 Weight v power trade off in pack design - how to pick the right balance.
Explore the Amprius SA88 cell for UAV applications, addressing weight vs power trade-offs and enhancing drone performance with high energy density.
Value Propositions
Pouch form factor for optimal space utilisation.
Nominal capacity of 33.15 Wh, ideal for extended flight times.
Volumetric energy density of 777 Wh/l, among the highest in the database.
Gravimetric power density of 3,656 W/kg, top-quartile vs median.
Maximum continuous charge of 100 A, ensuring rapid energy replenishment.
About the Cell
The Amprius SA88 cell features a pouch form factor, providing a nominal capacity of 33.15 Wh and 9.75 Ah, making it suitable for UAV applications. With a volumetric energy density of 777 Wh/l, it ranks among the highest in the database, allowing for compact designs without sacrificing performance. The gravimetric energy density of 356 Wh/kg also supports lightweight drone battery packs, essential for maintaining agility and efficiency in flight. Additionally, the cell boasts a volumetric power density of 7,968 W/l and a gravimetric power density of 3,656 W/kg, placing it in the top-quartile compared to the median values in the market. This combination of high energy and power densities makes the SA88 an excellent choice for demanding UAV applications, where weight and performance are critical factors.
Application Challenges
In the context of EVTOL and the weight vs power trade-off in pack design, selecting the right battery cell is crucial. UAVs require a careful balance between energy capacity and weight to ensure optimal flight performance. The Amprius SA88 cell addresses these challenges by providing a high nominal capacity of 33.15 Wh, which is essential for extending drone flight times. The lightweight design, with a mass of only 93 g, allows for more payload capacity, enhancing the overall mission effectiveness. Furthermore, the high volumetric energy density of 777 Wh/l ensures that the battery can fit into compact designs without compromising on the energy available for flight. This is particularly important in applications such as long endurance drone batteries and heavy lift drone missions, where every gram counts towards the payload and operational efficiency.
Why this Cell
The Amprius SA88 cell is designed specifically for UAV applications, making it an ideal choice for addressing the weight vs power trade-off in pack design. With a maximum continuous charge of 100 A, it allows for rapid energy replenishment, crucial for maintaining high operational tempo in drone missions. The cell's volumetric energy density of 777 Wh/l is among the highest in the database, ensuring that UAVs can carry more energy in a smaller footprint. This is particularly beneficial for applications requiring long endurance, such as VTOL drone battery pack design. The gravimetric power density of 3,656 W/kg also supports high discharge rates, making it suitable for applications that demand quick bursts of power, such as heavy lift operations. By choosing the SA88, engineers can optimise their UAV designs for both performance and efficiency, ensuring that they meet the rigorous demands of modern drone applications.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a critical role in optimising the selection of battery cells for UAV applications. By simulating load profiles, thermal behaviour, and voltage response, engineers can accurately predict how the Amprius SA88 cell will perform under various conditions. This allows for informed decision-making when it comes to selecting the right cell for specific mission profiles. For instance, modelling can help identify the optimal charge and discharge rates, ensuring that the cell operates within safe thermal limits while delivering the required power. Additionally, simulations can assess the impact of different environmental conditions on battery performance, such as temperature variations and state of charge (SoC). This predictive capability is essential for preventing issues like battery overheating and ensuring reliable operation during critical missions. Ultimately, model-based design enables engineers to maximise the efficiency and effectiveness of their UAV battery packs, leading to improved mission outcomes.
