MaxAmps MA-8000 Weight v power trade off in pack design - how to pick the right balance.
Explore the MaxAmps MA-8000 cell for UAV applications, balancing weight and power for optimal drone performance and endurance.
Value Propositions
Pouch form factor with nominal capacity of 29.6 Wh and 8.0 Ah.
Volumetric energy density of 370 Wh/l, +88% vs median of 197 Wh/l.
Gravimetric energy density of 185 Wh/kg, around median of 210 Wh/kg.
Maximum continuous discharge of 180 A, top-quartile vs median of 30 A.
Volumetric power density of 8317 W/l, among the highest in database.
About the Cell
The MaxAmps MA-8000 cell is designed for high-performance UAV applications, featuring a pouch form factor that allows for a nominal capacity of 29.6 Wh and 8.0 Ah. With a volumetric energy density of 370 Wh/l, it significantly exceeds the median of 197 Wh/l, making it ideal for applications where space is at a premium. The gravimetric energy density of 185 Wh/kg is around the median, providing a balanced option for weight-sensitive designs. Additionally, the cell boasts a maximum continuous discharge of 180 A, placing it in the top-quartile compared to the median of 30 A in the database. This capability ensures that the cell can handle high power demands typical in drone operations. Furthermore, the volumetric power density of 8317 W/l is among the highest in the database, making it suitable for applications requiring rapid energy delivery.
Application Challenges
In the context of EVTOL and the weight versus power trade-off in pack design, selecting the right battery cell is crucial. Drones require a careful balance between weight and power to ensure optimal flight performance and endurance. The challenge lies in achieving sufficient energy capacity while maintaining a lightweight design. High energy density is essential for extending flight times, particularly in demanding environments where every gram counts. The MaxAmps MA-8000 cell addresses these challenges with its impressive energy and power densities, allowing for efficient UAV battery pack design. The ability to optimise battery weight against flight time is critical for mission success, especially in applications such as long endurance drone batteries and heavy lift drone operations.
Why this Cell
The MaxAmps MA-8000 cell is an excellent choice for UAV applications due to its high energy and power densities. With a maximum continuous discharge of 180 A, it is in the top-quartile compared to the median of 30 A, ensuring that it can meet the high current demands of UAVs. The volumetric energy density of 370 Wh/l, which is +88% vs the median, allows for compact battery designs without sacrificing performance. This is particularly important in EVTOL applications where weight savings can lead to improved flight times. The combination of these metrics makes the MA-8000 cell a strong candidate for custom UAV battery packs, providing the necessary power while keeping weight to a minimum.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a crucial role in optimising battery selection for UAV applications. By modelling load profiles, thermal behaviour, and voltage response, engineers can predict how the MaxAmps MA-8000 cell will perform under various conditions. This approach enables the identification of the best cell for specific mission profiles, ensuring that the selected battery can deliver the required thrust and energy throughout the flight envelope. For instance, simulating the thermal rise and internal temperature during high discharge scenarios helps prevent overheating, a common challenge in drone battery design. Additionally, accurate predictions of usable energy and voltage sag allow for better planning and decision-making in UAV operations, ultimately enhancing mission reliability and efficiency.
