BAK 45D 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 BAK 45D cell for drones, designed for fast charging without overheating, ensuring safety and efficiency in UAV applications.
Value Propositions
Cylindrical 21700 form factor for compact drone battery design.
Nominal capacity of 15.84 Wh and 4.4 Ah for reliable energy supply.
Top-quartile volumetric energy density of 619 Wh/l for lightweight drone battery packs.
Maximum continuous discharge of 60 A, ideal for high discharge rate UAV batteries.
Standard charge current of 2.2 A supports efficient UAV battery pack design.
About the Cell
The BAK 45D cell features a cylindrical 21700 form factor, providing a nominal capacity of 15.84 Wh and 4.4 Ah. With a volumetric energy density of 619 Wh/l, it ranks in the top-quartile compared to the database median of 541.67 Wh/l, making it suitable for lightweight drone battery packs. The gravimetric energy density stands at 229.57 Wh/kg, which is around the median of 210 Wh/kg, ensuring a good balance between weight and energy storage. Additionally, the cell boasts a volumetric power density of 8447.4 W/l, which is among the highest in the database, significantly enhancing drone performance during demanding operations. The maximum continuous discharge rate of 60 A (13.6 C) positions it well above the median of 30 A, allowing for high discharge rate UAV batteries that can handle intensive tasks without overheating.
Application Challenges
In the realm of drones, fast charging of batteries is critical to ensure operational efficiency. The challenge lies in charging the BAK 45D cell quickly without overheating or causing lithium plating, which can degrade the battery and pose safety risks. High discharge rates are often required for UAVs, especially in applications like heavy lift or VTOL designs, where rapid energy delivery is essential. The BAK 45D's specifications, including a maximum continuous discharge of 60 A, help mitigate these risks, but careful thermal management is necessary to prevent overheating during fast charging. The need for accurate state of charge (SOC) prediction is also paramount to ensure reliability and safety in mission-critical scenarios.
Why this Cell
The BAK 45D cell is engineered for the demanding requirements of drone applications, particularly in fast charging scenarios. With a maximum continuous charge rate of 13.2 A (3.0 C), it supports rapid energy replenishment while maintaining safety. Its volumetric energy density of 619 Wh/l is significantly above the median, making it an excellent choice for long endurance drone batteries. The high gravimetric power density of 3130.43 W/kg, which is also among the highest in the database, ensures that the cell can deliver power efficiently during critical flight phases. This combination of high energy and power densities, along with robust thermal management capabilities, makes the BAK 45D an ideal candidate for custom UAV battery packs designed for high performance and safety.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a crucial role in optimising the performance of the BAK 45D cell in drone applications. By modelling load profiles and thermal behaviour, engineers can predict how the cell will perform under various conditions, including high discharge rates and rapid charging scenarios. This approach allows for the identification of potential overheating issues before they occur, enabling the design of effective thermal management strategies. Additionally, simulations can help in determining the optimal charge and discharge rates to maximise battery life while ensuring safety. By accurately predicting voltage sag and usable energy, operators can make informed decisions about mission feasibility, enhancing the reliability of drone operations in diverse environments.
