BAK 45D Drones Weight v power trade off in pack design - how to pick the right balance.
Discover the BAK 45D cell for drones, optimising weight and power for enhanced performance and endurance in UAV applications.
Value Propositions
Cylindrical 21700 form factor for efficient 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 compact designs.
Maximum continuous discharge of 60 A, ideal for high-demand applications.
Gravimetric power density of 3130 W/kg, ensuring lightweight solutions.

About the Cell
The BAK 45D cell features a cylindrical 21700 form factor, with a nominal capacity of 15.84 Wh and 4.4 Ah. Its volumetric energy density of 619 Wh/l is among the highest in the database, significantly enhancing drone battery design. The gravimetric energy density stands at 229.57 Wh/kg, providing a solid balance between weight and energy output. With a volumetric power density of 8447 W/l, this cell excels in delivering power for demanding applications. The maximum continuous discharge rate of 60 A and a maximum continuous charge rate of 13.2 A ensure that the cell can handle high loads, making it suitable for UAV battery pack design. Overall, the BAK 45D cell is engineered for high energy density and lightweight drone battery packs, optimising performance without compromising safety.
Application Challenges
In the realm of drones, the challenge of balancing weight and power in battery pack design is critical. The BAK 45D cell addresses this by providing a high energy density, which is essential for extending drone flight time. As UAVs are often required to carry additional payloads, the ability to optimise battery weight while maintaining power output is vital. The BAK 45D's specifications allow for effective UAV battery optimisation, ensuring that drones can operate efficiently in various environments. This cell is particularly beneficial for applications requiring long endurance, such as industrial inspections or heavy-lift missions, where every gram counts and performance is paramount.
Why this Cell
The BAK 45D cell is an excellent choice for drone applications due to its impressive specifications. With a volumetric energy density of 619 Wh/l, it ranks among the highest in the database, allowing for compact battery designs that do not sacrifice performance. The maximum continuous discharge rate of 60 A positions it in the top-quartile compared to the median of 30 A, making it suitable for high-demand UAV applications. Additionally, its gravimetric power density of 3130 W/kg ensures that the cell remains lightweight, which is crucial for improving UAV mission endurance. This combination of high energy density and lightweight design makes the BAK 45D cell ideal for custom UAV battery packs, ensuring that drones can achieve optimal performance without overheating or compromising safety.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a crucial role in optimising the selection of battery cells for drones like the BAK 45D. By modelling load profiles and thermal behaviour, engineers can predict how the cell will perform under various conditions, including high discharge rates and temperature fluctuations. This approach allows for accurate predictions of usable energy and voltage sag, ensuring that the selected cell meets the specific demands of the mission. For instance, simulating the thermal rise during operation can help prevent overheating, which is a common challenge in UAV battery design. By leveraging these simulations, designers can confidently choose the BAK 45D cell, knowing it will deliver reliable performance in real-world scenarios, thus enhancing drone powertrain efficiency and extending flight times.


