Reliance RS50 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 Reliance RS50 cell for drones, designed for fast charging without overheating, ensuring safety and efficiency in UAV operations.
Value Propositions
Cylindrical 21700 form factor for compact design.
Nominal capacity of 18.0 Wh and 5.0 Ah for reliable energy supply.
Top-quartile volumetric power density of 10,008 W/l for rapid energy delivery.
Gravimetric energy density of 269 Wh/kg for lightweight UAV applications.
Maximum continuous discharge of 70.0 A for high-performance demands.

About the Cell
The Reliance RS50 cell features a cylindrical 21700 form factor, optimised for drone applications. With a nominal capacity of 18.0 Wh and 5.0 Ah, it provides a reliable energy source for various UAV operations. Its volumetric energy density stands at 715 Wh/l, placing it in the top-quartile compared to the database median of 542 Wh/l, making it suitable for high energy density drone batteries. Additionally, the gravimetric energy density is 269 Wh/kg, which is around the median, ensuring lightweight drone battery packs. The cell's volumetric power density is an impressive 10,008 W/l, which is +62% vs the median of 2,029 W/l, allowing for brisk current draws essential in fast charging scenarios. Furthermore, the maximum continuous discharge rate of 70.0 A, which is in the top-quartile compared to the median of 30 A, ensures that the RS50 can handle high discharge rates required for demanding UAV missions.
Application Challenges
In the realm of drones, the challenge of fast charging batteries without overheating is critical. The Reliance RS50 cell addresses this by providing a high maximum continuous charge of 15.0 A, which is significantly above the median of 8 A. This capability is essential for preventing lithium plating, which can degrade battery performance and safety. The need for effective battery thermal management for drones is paramount, as overheating can lead to catastrophic failures. The RS50's design allows for efficient heat dissipation, making it suitable for long endurance drone batteries that require rapid recharging without compromising safety. Additionally, the high energy density of the RS50 supports UAV battery optimisation, enabling longer flight times and improved mission endurance.
Why this Cell
The Reliance RS50 cell is specifically designed for fast charging applications in drones. With a maximum continuous charge rate of 15.0 A, it ensures quick recharging while maintaining safety standards. This is crucial for applications where downtime must be minimised, such as in emergency response or industrial inspections. The cell's top-quartile volumetric power density of 10,008 W/l allows for rapid energy delivery, which is essential for high discharge rate UAV batteries. Furthermore, the gravimetric energy density of 269 Wh/kg ensures that the cell remains lightweight, addressing the challenge of battery weight vs flight time in UAVs. By selecting the RS50, engineers can confidently choose a cell that meets the demanding requirements of drone battery design and UAV battery pack design.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a crucial role in optimising the performance of the Reliance RS50 cell 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 rapid charging scenarios. This approach allows for accurate predictions of voltage sag and usable energy, which are vital for ensuring reliable drone operations. For instance, simulating the thermal rise during fast charging can help identify potential overheating issues before they occur, enabling proactive design adjustments. Additionally, using cell-specific data in simulations allows for the selection of the most suitable cells for specific mission profiles, ensuring that the RS50 can deliver the required thrust and energy across the entire flight envelope. This predictive capability is essential for preventing costly failures and enhancing operator confidence in drone readiness.


