MaxAmps MA-8000 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.
Discover the MaxAmps MA-8000 cell, designed for drones with fast charging capabilities, ensuring safety and efficiency in demanding applications.
Value Propositions
Pouch form factor with a nominal capacity of 29.6 Wh and 8.0 Ah.
Volumetric energy density of 370 Wh/l, top-quartile vs median 542 Wh/l.
Gravimetric energy density of 185 Wh/kg, around median vs 210 Wh/kg.
Maximum continuous discharge of 180 A, among the highest in database.
Volumetric power density of 8317 W/l, top-quartile vs median 2029 W/l.
About the Cell
The MaxAmps MA-8000 cell is engineered for high-performance applications, particularly in drone technology. With a pouch form factor, it boasts a nominal capacity of 29.6 Wh and 8.0 Ah, making it suitable for demanding energy requirements. The cell achieves a volumetric energy density of 370 Wh/l, which is in the top-quartile compared to the database median of 542 Wh/l, allowing for compact designs without sacrificing performance. Additionally, its gravimetric energy density of 185 Wh/kg is around the median of 210 Wh/kg, providing a balance between weight and energy storage. The cell's maximum continuous discharge capability of 180 A positions it among the highest in the database, ensuring it can handle high power demands effectively. Furthermore, with a volumetric power density of 8317 W/l, it is also in the top-quartile compared to the median of 2029 W/l, making it ideal for applications requiring rapid energy delivery.
Application Challenges
In the realm of drones, fast charging of batteries presents unique challenges. The primary concern is to charge the battery quickly without overheating the cells or causing lithium plating, which can degrade the battery or lead to safety hazards. The MaxAmps MA-8000 cell addresses these challenges with its robust design and high discharge capabilities. The ability to handle a maximum continuous charge of 40 A (5.0 C-rate) allows for rapid charging while maintaining thermal stability. This is crucial for applications where downtime must be minimised, such as in commercial UAV operations. The high energy density of the MA-8000 ensures that drones can achieve longer flight times, which is essential for missions that require extended operational periods. Moreover, effective battery thermal management is vital to prevent overheating, especially during fast charging cycles. The MA-8000's design mitigates these risks, ensuring safe operation even under demanding conditions.
Why this Cell
The MaxAmps MA-8000 cell is specifically designed to meet the rigorous demands of drone applications, particularly in fast charging scenarios. With a maximum continuous discharge of 180 A, it stands among the highest in the database, enabling drones to perform at peak efficiency during critical missions. The cell's volumetric energy density of 370 Wh/l, which is in the top-quartile compared to the median of 542 Wh/l, allows for lightweight drone battery packs that do not compromise on energy storage. This is particularly beneficial for UAVs that require high energy density to extend flight times while maintaining a lightweight profile. Additionally, the cell's ability to handle a maximum continuous charge of 40 A ensures that it can be charged quickly without the risk of overheating, addressing one of the key challenges in drone battery design. The combination of these features makes the MA-8000 an ideal choice for UAV battery pack design, ensuring reliability and performance in the field.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a crucial role in optimising the performance of the MaxAmps MA-8000 cell for drone applications. By modelling load profiles, thermal behaviour, and voltage response, engineers can predict how the cell will perform under various conditions. This includes assessing the impact of rapid charging on thermal rise and ensuring that the cell operates within safe temperature limits. For instance, simulations can help identify the optimal charging rates that prevent lithium plating while maximising charge speed. Furthermore, by analysing the usable energy across different flight profiles, designers can make informed decisions about the best battery configurations for specific UAV missions. This approach not only enhances the reliability of the battery packs but also reduces the need for costly trial-and-error testing, ultimately leading to more efficient and effective drone operations.
