Reliance RS40 Drones Safety and risk management - particularly around overheating and thermal runaway during flight.
Discover the Reliance RS40 cell for drones, designed for safety and risk management, ensuring optimal performance and preventing overheating during flight.
Value Propositions
Cylindrical 21700 form factor for compact design.
Nominal capacity of 14.4 Wh and 4.0 Ah for reliable energy supply.
Top-quartile volumetric power density of 10,008 W/l for high performance.
Gravimetric energy density of 215 Wh/kg, ensuring lightweight solutions.
Maximum continuous discharge of 70 A, ideal for demanding applications.

About the Cell
The Reliance RS40 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 approximately 572 Wh/l, it ranks among the highest in the database, significantly exceeding the median of 542 Wh/l. Its gravimetric energy density of 215 Wh/kg is also competitive, being around the median value. The cell offers a volumetric power density of 10,008 W/l, placing it in the top-quartile compared to the median of 2,029 W/l. Additionally, it boasts a maximum continuous discharge of 70 A, which is significantly above the median of 30 A, making it suitable for high-demand applications. This combination of features ensures that the RS40 cell is an excellent choice for drone applications, particularly in safety-critical scenarios where performance and reliability are paramount.
Application Challenges
In the realm of drones, safety and risk management are critical, especially concerning overheating and thermal runaway during flight. The RS40 cell's high energy density and robust discharge capabilities are essential for maintaining performance under demanding conditions. Drones often operate in extreme environments, where battery performance can be compromised. The ability to manage thermal conditions effectively is crucial to prevent failures that could lead to mission aborts or catastrophic incidents. Therefore, selecting the right battery cell is vital for ensuring that drones can operate safely and efficiently, particularly in applications requiring long endurance and high reliability.
Why this Cell
The Reliance RS40 cell is specifically designed to meet the challenges of drone applications, particularly in safety and risk management. Its maximum continuous discharge rate of 70 A is significantly above the median of 30 A, ensuring that it can handle high power demands without overheating. The cell's volumetric energy density of 572 Wh/l is among the highest in the database, allowing for longer flight times and improved mission endurance. Additionally, its lightweight design, with a gravimetric energy density of 215 Wh/kg, supports the need for lightweight drone battery packs, which is crucial for enhancing flight efficiency. This combination of high performance and safety features makes the RS40 an ideal choice for UAV battery pack design.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a crucial role in optimising the selection of battery cells for drone applications. By simulating load profiles, thermal behaviour, and voltage response, engineers can predict how the Reliance RS40 cell will perform under various conditions. This approach allows for the identification of potential overheating issues and enables the design of effective thermal management strategies. For instance, modelling the internal temperature rise during high discharge scenarios helps in selecting cells that maintain safe operating conditions. Furthermore, simulations can assess the usable energy across different flight profiles, ensuring that the chosen cell meets the energy demands of the mission. This data-driven approach reduces the risk of mid-air failures and enhances overall mission reliability.


