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Reliance RS40 Safety and risk management - particularly around overheating and thermal runaway during flight.

Discover the Reliance RS40, a high-performance cell designed for UAV applications, ensuring safety and efficiency in thermal management.

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 energy density of 572 Wh/l for extended flight times.

  • Maximum continuous discharge of 70 A, ideal for high-demand applications.

  • Gravimetric power density of 3761 W/kg, ensuring efficient energy delivery.

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About the Cell

The Reliance RS40 is a cylindrical 21700 cell with a nominal capacity of 14.4 Wh and 4.0 Ah, making it suitable for various UAV applications. It boasts a volumetric energy density of 572 Wh/l, placing it in the top-quartile compared to the database median of 542 Wh/l, which is crucial for long endurance drone batteries. The gravimetric energy density of 215 Wh/kg is also competitive, being around the median of 210 Wh/kg. With a maximum continuous discharge of 70 A, the RS40 is designed for high energy demands, ensuring that it can handle the rigorous requirements of UAV operations. Additionally, the volumetric power density of 10008 W/l is among the highest in the database, allowing for rapid energy delivery during critical flight phases. This combination of features makes the RS40 an excellent choice for drone battery design and UAV battery pack design, particularly in applications where safety and thermal management are paramount.

Application Challenges

In the context of EVTOL and safety and risk management, particularly around overheating and thermal runaway during flight, the Reliance RS40 addresses several critical challenges. UAVs, especially those operating in extreme environments, require batteries that can maintain performance under varying thermal conditions. The high energy density of the RS40 ensures that drones can achieve longer flight times, which is essential for mission success. However, the risk of thermal runaway is a significant concern; thus, the RS40's design incorporates advanced thermal management strategies to mitigate overheating. The ability to deliver high discharge rates without compromising safety is vital for applications such as heavy lift drone operations and fixed-wing UAV battery solutions. The RS40's specifications allow for accurate battery state of charge (SoC) prediction, which is crucial for mission planning and reliability.

Why this Cell

The Reliance RS40 is specifically engineered to meet the demands of UAV applications, particularly in safety and risk management. With a maximum continuous discharge rate of 70 A, it is positioned in the top-quartile compared to the database median of 30 A, making it suitable for high discharge rate UAV batteries. Its volumetric energy density of 572 Wh/l not only supports extended flight times but also aligns with the need for lightweight drone battery packs. The RS40's gravimetric power density of 3761 W/kg ensures efficient energy delivery, which is critical for maintaining drone powertrain efficiency. This cell is designed to prevent overheating and ensure safe battery packs for UAVs, making it an ideal choice for custom UAV battery packs and drone battery R&D partners.

How Model-Based Design Helps

Simulation and model-based design play a crucial role in optimising the performance of the Reliance RS40 in UAV applications. By modelling load profiles, thermal behaviour, and voltage response, engineers can accurately predict how the RS40 will perform under various conditions. For instance, simulations can assess the thermal rise during high discharge scenarios, ensuring that the cell operates within safe limits and preventing thermal runaway. Additionally, by using cell-specific data, designers can evaluate the usable energy across different flight profiles, enabling them to select the most appropriate cells for specific missions. This approach not only enhances the reliability of drone operations but also reduces the need for costly trial-and-error testing, ultimately leading to better mission planning and execution.

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