Reliance RS40 Drones Weight v power trade off in pack design - how to pick the right balance.
Explore the Reliance RS40 cell for drones, optimising weight and power for enhanced performance in UAV applications. Discover its capabilities.
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 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 UAV 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 572 Wh/l, it ranks among the highest in the database, ensuring efficient space utilisation in drone battery packs. The gravimetric energy density of 215 Wh/kg is also competitive, making it suitable for lightweight drone applications. The cell boasts a volumetric power density of 10,008 W/l, which is in the top-quartile compared to the median of 2,029 W/l, allowing for brisk current draws essential for UAV performance. Additionally, the maximum continuous discharge rate of 70 A positions it well for high-demand scenarios, ensuring that drones can operate effectively under load.
Application Challenges
In the context of drones, the challenge of balancing weight and power in battery pack design is critical. The RS40 cell's specifications directly address the need for high energy density while maintaining a lightweight profile. This balance is essential for applications such as long endurance missions, where every gram counts towards overall flight time. The ability to deliver high discharge rates without overheating is vital, especially in demanding environments. The RS40's design facilitates optimal UAV battery performance, ensuring that operators can achieve their mission objectives without compromising on safety or efficiency.
Why this Cell
The Reliance RS40 cell is an excellent choice for drone applications due to its impressive specifications. With a maximum continuous discharge rate of 70 A, it is positioned in the top-quartile compared to the median of 30 A in the database, ensuring that it can handle the high power demands of UAVs. Its volumetric energy density of 572 Wh/l is among the highest, allowing for compact battery designs that do not sacrifice performance. This cell is particularly suited for applications requiring lightweight solutions, such as VTOL drone battery pack design and heavy lift operations, where both energy and weight are critical factors.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a crucial role in optimising the selection of battery cells like the Reliance RS40 for drone applications. By modelling load profiles and thermal behaviour, engineers can predict how the cell will perform under various conditions, including high discharge rates and temperature fluctuations. This predictive capability allows for the identification of the best cell for specific mission profiles, ensuring that the drone can deliver the required thrust and energy throughout its flight. Additionally, simulations help in understanding voltage sag and usable energy, enabling designers to make informed decisions that enhance UAV performance and reliability.


