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LG Chem H51 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 LG Chem H51 cell for fast charging in aerospace applications, tackling overheating and lithium plating challenges effectively.

Value Propositions

  • Cylindrical 21700 form factor for compact design.

  • Nominal capacity of 18.2 Wh and 5.0 Ah for efficient energy storage.

  • Top-quartile volumetric power density of 3,627 W/l for rapid energy delivery.

  • Gravimetric energy density of 258 Wh/kg, enhancing drone performance.

  • Maximum continuous discharge of 25 A, supporting high-demand applications.

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About the Cell

The LG Chem H51 cell features a cylindrical 21700 form factor, providing a nominal capacity of 18.2 Wh and 5.0 Ah. With a volumetric energy density of 725 Wh/l, it ranks among the highest in the database, significantly exceeding the median of 542 Wh/l by +34%. Additionally, its gravimetric energy density of 258 Wh/kg is above the median of 210 Wh/kg, offering enhanced performance for drone applications. The cell's volumetric power density of 3,627 W/l is also in the top-quartile, surpassing the median of 2,029 W/l by +79%. This combination of high energy and power densities makes the H51 an ideal choice for demanding aerospace applications, particularly in fast charging scenarios.

Application Challenges

In aerospace applications, fast charging of batteries is critical to ensure operational efficiency. The challenge lies in charging the LG Chem H51 cell quickly without overheating or causing lithium plating, which can degrade battery performance and safety. The cell's maximum continuous charge of 5 A and a standard charge current of 5 A are designed to manage thermal conditions effectively. The high energy density allows for longer flight times, addressing the need for lightweight drone battery packs that do not compromise on performance. Furthermore, the ability to prevent overheating is essential for maintaining the integrity of the battery during rapid charging cycles, ensuring reliability in mission-critical situations.

Why this Cell

The LG Chem H51 cell is specifically designed to meet the challenges of fast charging in aerospace applications. With a maximum continuous discharge rate of 25 A, it supports high-demand scenarios, making it suitable for UAV battery optimization. Its gravimetric energy density of 258 Wh/kg is significantly above the median, providing the necessary energy for extended flight times while maintaining a lightweight profile. The cell's high volumetric power density of 3,627 W/l ensures that it can deliver energy quickly, which is crucial for applications requiring rapid response times. This combination of features positions the H51 as a leading choice for custom UAV battery packs, ensuring both performance and safety.

How Model-Based Design Helps

Simulation and model-based design play a vital role in optimising the performance of the LG Chem H51 cell for fast charging applications. By modelling load profiles and thermal behaviour, engineers can predict how the cell will respond under various charging conditions. This includes assessing heat generation and voltage response during rapid charging, which is critical for avoiding overheating and lithium plating. The ability to simulate these factors allows for informed decision-making when selecting battery cells for UAVs, ensuring that the chosen cell meets the specific demands of the mission profile. Furthermore, this approach reduces the need for costly trial-and-error testing, enabling faster development cycles and improved reliability in drone operations.

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