Reliance RS50 Weight v power trade off in pack design - how to pick the right balance.
Discover the Reliance RS50 cell, designed for UAV battery optimisation, balancing weight and power for enhanced drone performance.
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 energy density of 715 Wh/l for efficient space utilisation.
Maximum continuous discharge of 70.0 A for high power demands.
Gravimetric power density of 3761 W/kg, ensuring lightweight solutions.
About the Cell
The Reliance RS50 cell features a cylindrical 21700 form factor, optimising space and weight for UAV applications. With a nominal capacity of 18.0 Wh and 5.0 Ah, it provides a reliable energy supply for various drone operations. The cell boasts a volumetric energy density of 715 Wh/l, placing it in the top-quartile compared to the median of 542 Wh/l in the database. This high energy density allows for efficient use of space in battery pack design, crucial for applications where weight is a critical factor. Additionally, the RS50 has a maximum continuous discharge rate of 70.0 A, which is significantly above the database median of 30 A, making it suitable for high power demands during flight. The gravimetric power density of 3761 W/kg also ensures that the cell remains lightweight, which is essential for maintaining drone performance and endurance.
Application Challenges
In the context of EVTOL and the weight versus power trade-off in pack design, the Reliance RS50 cell addresses several key challenges. UAVs require batteries that not only provide sufficient energy for extended flight times but also maintain a lightweight profile to enhance overall performance. The RS50's high nominal capacity and energy density are critical in achieving this balance. As drones are often deployed in demanding environments, ensuring that the battery can handle high discharge rates without overheating is vital. The RS50's maximum continuous discharge rate of 70.0 A allows for robust performance during peak operational demands, which is essential for applications such as heavy-lift missions or long endurance flights. Furthermore, the ability to accurately predict the state of charge (SOC) and manage thermal performance is crucial for preventing battery overheating and ensuring mission success.
Why this Cell
The Reliance RS50 cell is particularly well-suited for UAV applications due to its impressive specifications. With a volumetric energy density of 715 Wh/l, it stands out as a top-quartile option compared to the median of 542 Wh/l in the database, allowing for more energy storage in a compact design. This is crucial for long endurance drone batteries, where every gram counts. The maximum continuous discharge rate of 70.0 A ensures that the RS50 can meet the high power demands typical in UAV operations, making it ideal for applications that require rapid bursts of energy. Additionally, the gravimetric power density of 3761 W/kg positions it among the highest in the database, enabling lightweight drone battery packs that do not compromise on performance. This combination of high energy and power density makes the RS50 an excellent choice for custom UAV battery packs, ensuring that operators can achieve optimal flight times without exceeding weight limits.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a crucial role in optimising the selection of the Reliance RS50 cell for UAV applications. By modelling load profiles, thermal behaviour, and voltage response, engineers can accurately predict how the RS50 will perform under various operational conditions. For instance, simulating the thermal rise during high discharge scenarios helps identify potential overheating issues, allowing for proactive thermal management strategies. Additionally, voltage sag can be modelled to ensure that the cell maintains adequate performance throughout its discharge cycle. This predictive capability is essential for ensuring that the RS50 can deliver the required thrust and energy across the entire flight envelope, particularly in challenging environments. By utilising cell-specific data in simulations, designers can confidently select the RS50 for their UAV battery packs, minimising the risk of trial-and-error testing and enhancing overall mission reliability.
