Jiangsu Sunpower 30T 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.
Explore the Jiangsu Sunpower 30T cell for drones, designed for fast charging without overheating, ensuring safety and efficiency in UAV applications.
Value Propositions
Cylindrical 18650 form factor for compact design.
Nominal capacity of 10.8 Wh and 3.0 Ah for reliable performance.
Top-quartile volumetric power density of 6,154 W/l for rapid energy delivery.
Gravimetric energy density of 227 Wh/kg, optimising weight for UAVs.
Maximum continuous discharge of 30 A supports high-demand applications.
About the Cell
The Jiangsu Sunpower 30T cell features a cylindrical 18650 form factor, providing a nominal capacity of 10.8 Wh and 3.0 Ah. With a volumetric energy density of 615 Wh/l and a gravimetric energy density of 227 Wh/kg, this cell is designed for high-performance applications. Its volumetric power density of 6,154 W/l places it in the top-quartile compared to the database median of 2,029 W/l, making it ideal for rapid energy delivery in drone applications. The maximum continuous discharge rate of 30 A ensures that the cell can handle demanding power requirements, while its lightweight design at 47.5 g enhances overall UAV efficiency. This combination of features makes the 30T cell a strong candidate for drone battery design, particularly in scenarios requiring quick charging and high energy output.
Application Challenges
In the context of drones, the challenge of fast charging batteries is critical. Rapid charging must be balanced with the need to prevent overheating and lithium plating, which can degrade battery performance and safety. The 30T cell's design addresses these challenges by offering a maximum continuous discharge of 30 A, allowing for efficient energy transfer without compromising thermal management. The high energy density of 615 Wh/l ensures that drones can achieve longer flight times while maintaining a lightweight profile. Effective battery thermal management is essential to extend drone flight time and improve UAV mission endurance, particularly in demanding environments. The 30T cell's specifications support the need for safe battery packs for UAVs, ensuring reliability during operations.
Why this Cell
The Jiangsu Sunpower 30T cell is specifically designed to meet the rigorous demands of drone applications, particularly in fast charging scenarios. With a maximum continuous discharge of 30 A, it is positioned in the top-quartile compared to the database median of 30 A, allowing for high discharge rates essential for UAV performance. Its volumetric energy density of 615 Wh/l, which is significantly above the median of 542 Wh/l, ensures that drones can carry more energy without increasing weight, thus enhancing flight time. This cell's lightweight design and high energy density make it an optimal choice for custom UAV battery packs, enabling engineers to design battery packs that maximise drone endurance while preventing overheating during rapid charging.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a crucial role in optimising battery performance for drones. By modelling load profiles, thermal behaviour, and voltage response, engineers can predict how the Jiangsu Sunpower 30T cell will perform under various conditions. This approach allows for the identification of optimal charging strategies that prevent overheating and lithium plating, ensuring the safety and longevity of the battery. For instance, simulations can help determine the best charging current to apply, balancing speed with thermal management. Additionally, by using cell-specific data, engineers can accurately predict the state of charge (SoC) and assess mission feasibility, particularly in challenging environments. This predictive capability is vital for ensuring reliable drone operations, especially in critical applications where every minute of airtime counts.
