BAK 45D EVTOL Mission feasibility assessment - asses what missions or use cases are possible or not using a go/no-go decision using simulation.
Explore the BAK 45D cell for EVTOL applications, optimising drone missions with high energy density and efficient design for reliable performance.
Value Propositions
Cylindrical 21700 form factor with a nominal capacity of 15.84 Wh and 4.4 Ah.
Volumetric energy density of 619 Wh/l, placing it in the top-quartile vs median of 541 Wh/l.
Gravimetric energy density of 230 Wh/kg, around the median of 210 Wh/kg.
Maximum continuous discharge of 60 A, top-quartile vs median of 30 A.
Standard charge current of 2.2 A, around the median of 2 A.
About the Cell
The BAK 45D cell is a cylindrical 21700 battery with a nominal capacity of 15.84 Wh (4.4 Ah). It features a volumetric energy density of 619 Wh/l, which is in the top-quartile compared to the database median of 541 Wh/l. Its gravimetric energy density stands at 230 Wh/kg, which is around the median of 210 Wh/kg. The cell also boasts a maximum continuous discharge of 60 A, which is significantly higher than the median of 30 A, making it suitable for demanding applications. Additionally, the standard charge current of 2.2 A is consistent with the median, ensuring compatibility with various charging systems. This combination of high energy and power densities makes the BAK 45D an excellent choice for UAV applications, particularly in scenarios requiring long endurance and reliability.
Application Challenges
In the context of EVTOL and mission feasibility assessment, the BAK 45D cell addresses critical challenges in drone battery design. The ability to assess what missions or use cases are feasible using simulation is vital for operators. The high energy density of 619 Wh/l allows for extended flight times, which is crucial for long endurance drone batteries. Furthermore, the maximum continuous discharge rate of 60 A ensures that the cell can handle the power demands of various UAV applications, including heavy lift and fixed-wing solutions. The challenge lies in accurately predicting battery performance under different conditions, such as temperature variations and state of charge (SoC), which can significantly impact mission success. By utilising simulation, operators can make informed go/no-go decisions, enhancing mission reliability and efficiency.
Why this Cell
The BAK 45D cell is particularly suited for EVTOL applications due to its impressive specifications. With a volumetric energy density of 619 Wh/l, it ranks in the top-quartile compared to the median of 541 Wh/l, allowing for lightweight drone battery packs that do not compromise on performance. The maximum continuous discharge of 60 A positions it well for high discharge rate UAV batteries, ensuring that it can meet the demands of various mission profiles. Additionally, the standard charge current of 2.2 A aligns with the median, facilitating efficient charging processes. This combination of high energy and power densities makes the BAK 45D an optimal choice for UAV battery optimisation, enabling operators to extend drone flight times and improve mission endurance.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a crucial role in optimising the performance of the BAK 45D cell for EVTOL applications. By modelling load profiles, thermal behaviour, and voltage response, engineers can predict how the cell will perform under different operational scenarios. This includes assessing the impact of varying temperatures and state of charge on battery performance, which is essential for mission feasibility assessments. For instance, simulations can help identify the optimal charging strategies and discharge rates to maximise efficiency and minimise the risk of overheating. Additionally, by simulating real-world conditions, operators can make informed decisions about mission planning, ensuring that the BAK 45D cell can deliver the required thrust and energy throughout the flight envelope. This predictive capability not only enhances reliability but also reduces the need for costly trial-and-error testing, streamlining the design and deployment of UAV systems.
