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LG Chem H51 Weight v power trade off in pack design - how to pick the right balance.

Explore the LG Chem H51 cell for UAV applications, optimising weight and power for enhanced drone performance and endurance.

Value Propositions

  • Cylindrical 21700 form factor for efficient integration.

  • Nominal capacity of 18.2 Wh and 5.0 Ah for reliable performance.

  • Top-quartile volumetric energy density of 725 Wh/l, +39% vs median.

  • Gravimetric power density of 1290 W/kg, ensuring high discharge rates.

  • Maximum continuous discharge of 25 A, ideal for demanding UAV applications.

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About the Cell

The LG Chem H51 cell features a cylindrical 21700 form factor, optimising space and weight for UAV applications. With a nominal capacity of 18.2 Wh (5.0 Ah), it delivers reliable energy for various drone missions. The cell boasts a volumetric energy density of 725 Wh/l, placing it in the top-quartile compared to the database median of 541.67 Wh/l, making it suitable for long endurance drone batteries. Additionally, its gravimetric energy density of 258.16 Wh/kg is significantly above the median of 210 Wh/kg, ensuring lightweight drone battery packs. The cell's volumetric power density of 3626.94 W/l is among the highest in the database, facilitating high energy demands during flight. Furthermore, the maximum continuous discharge of 25 A allows for robust performance in high-drain applications, ensuring that the cell meets the rigorous demands of UAV battery pack design.

Application Challenges

In the aerospace sector, the challenge of balancing weight and power in UAV battery pack design is critical. The LG Chem H51 cell addresses this challenge by providing high energy density while maintaining a lightweight profile. This balance is essential for extending drone flight times and improving mission endurance, particularly in applications requiring high discharge rates. The ability to optimise battery thermal management is also vital, as overheating can lead to performance degradation and safety risks. By selecting the right cell, designers can ensure that their UAVs perform reliably in extreme environments, thus enhancing operational efficiency and mission success.

Why this Cell

The LG Chem H51 cell is an excellent choice for UAV applications due to its impressive specifications. With a volumetric energy density of 725 Wh/l, it is positioned in the top-quartile compared to the median of 541.67 Wh/l, making it ideal for long endurance drone batteries. Its gravimetric power density of 1290 W/kg ensures that the cell can handle high discharge rates, which is crucial for applications requiring rapid energy delivery. Additionally, the maximum continuous discharge of 25 A allows for robust performance, making it suitable for demanding UAV missions. This combination of high energy density and power output enables designers to optimise weight versus power trade-offs effectively, ensuring that UAVs can achieve their operational goals without compromising safety or performance.

How Model-Based Design Helps

Simulation and model-based design play a crucial role in selecting the right battery cell for UAV applications. By modelling load profiles, thermal behaviour, and voltage response, engineers can accurately predict how the LG Chem H51 cell will perform under various conditions. This approach allows for the assessment of energy consumption across different flight scenarios, ensuring that the selected cell meets the required thrust and energy needs throughout the mission. Furthermore, simulations can identify potential overheating issues, enabling designers to implement effective thermal management strategies. By leveraging cell-specific data, engineers can make informed decisions that enhance UAV performance and reliability, ultimately leading to successful mission outcomes.

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