Lishen 2170LA Drones Weight v power trade off in pack design - how to pick the right balance.
Explore the Lishen 2170LA cell for drone applications, optimising weight and power for enhanced performance and endurance in UAV designs.
Value Propositions
Cylindrical 21700 form factor for efficient design.
Nominal capacity of 14.4 Wh and 4.0 Ah for reliable energy delivery.
Top-quartile volumetric energy density of 566 Wh/l for compact designs.
Maximum continuous discharge of 45 A, ensuring robust performance.
Gravimetric power density of 2,418 W/kg, ideal for high-demand applications.

About the Cell
The Lishen 2170LA cell features a cylindrical 21700 form factor, providing a nominal capacity of 14.4 Wh and 4.0 Ah. With a volumetric energy density of 566 Wh/l, it ranks in the top-quartile compared to the database median of 542 Wh/l, making it an excellent choice for compact drone battery designs. The gravimetric energy density of 215 Wh/kg is around the median, ensuring a balance between weight and energy storage. Additionally, the cell boasts a maximum continuous discharge rate of 45 A, which is significantly above the median of 30 A, allowing for high power demands during flight. The volumetric power density of 6,370 W/l is among the highest in the database, providing the necessary power for demanding applications. This combination of features makes the Lishen 2170LA a strong candidate for UAV battery pack design, particularly in scenarios where weight and power trade-offs are critical.
Application Challenges
In the context of drones, the challenge of balancing weight and power in battery pack design is paramount. Drones require lightweight battery solutions that do not compromise on energy delivery or discharge capabilities. The Lishen 2170LA cell addresses these challenges effectively. With its high volumetric energy density, it allows for longer flight times without adding excessive weight. This is crucial for applications such as long endurance drone batteries and heavy lift drone operations, where every gram counts. The ability to maintain high discharge rates while keeping the overall weight low is essential for improving UAV mission endurance and preventing overheating during operation. Thus, selecting the right battery cell is vital for optimising UAV performance in various environments.
Why this Cell
The Lishen 2170LA cell is particularly suited for drone applications due to its impressive specifications. With a nominal capacity of 14.4 Wh and a maximum continuous discharge rate of 45 A, it provides the necessary energy and power for demanding UAV operations. The cell's volumetric energy density of 566 Wh/l is top-quartile compared to the median of 542 Wh/l, allowing for compact battery designs that do not sacrifice performance. This is especially important in drone battery design, where space is limited. Furthermore, the gravimetric power density of 2,418 W/kg ensures that the cell can deliver high power outputs, making it ideal for applications requiring rapid acceleration or high thrust. These characteristics make the Lishen 2170LA an excellent choice for custom UAV battery packs, ensuring that operators can achieve optimal performance without compromising on safety or efficiency.
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 predict how the Lishen 2170LA cell will perform under various conditions. For instance, simulating the thermal rise during high discharge scenarios helps identify potential overheating issues, allowing for better thermal management strategies. Additionally, voltage sag can be accurately predicted, ensuring that the cell will deliver the required thrust throughout the flight envelope. This predictive capability is essential for applications such as VTOL drone battery pack design, where reliability and performance are critical. By using cell-specific data in simulations, designers can confidently select the best battery for their needs, avoiding costly trial-and-error testing and ensuring mission success.


