Reliance RS60 Drones Weight v power trade off in pack design - how to pick the right balance.
Explore the Reliance RS60 cell for drones, optimising weight and power for enhanced performance in UAV applications. Discover its unique advantages.
Value Propositions
Cylindrical 21700 form factor for compact design.
Nominal capacity of 21.6 Wh and 6.0 Ah for reliable energy supply.
Top-quartile volumetric power density of 7149 W/l for high performance.
Gravimetric energy density of 302 Wh/kg, ideal for lightweight applications.
Maximum continuous discharge of 50 A, supporting demanding UAV operations.

About the Cell
The Reliance RS60 cell features a cylindrical 21700 form factor, optimised for drone applications. With a nominal capacity of 21.6 Wh and 6.0 Ah, it provides a robust energy supply for various UAV missions. Its volumetric energy density stands at 857 Wh/l, placing it in the top-quartile compared to the database median of 542 Wh/l, which is crucial for maintaining a lightweight design while ensuring sufficient power. The gravimetric energy density of 302 Wh/kg also supports the need for high energy density drone batteries, making it suitable for extended flight times. Additionally, the cell boasts a maximum continuous discharge of 50 A, which is significantly above the median of 30 A, ensuring that it can handle high discharge rates required for demanding applications. This combination of features makes the RS60 an excellent choice for drone battery design and UAV battery pack design.
Application Challenges
In the context of drones, the challenge of balancing weight and power in battery pack design is critical. The RS60 cell's specifications directly address the need for lightweight drone battery packs without compromising on performance. The ability to deliver high energy density while maintaining a compact form factor is essential for applications such as long endurance drone batteries and heavy lift drone batteries. The RS60's high discharge capabilities also play a vital role in UAV battery optimisation, allowing for efficient energy use during flight. As UAVs are often deployed in extreme environments, the reliability of the battery pack is paramount, making the RS60's robust design a key advantage. Furthermore, the need to prevent drone battery overheating during high-demand operations is addressed by the cell's thermal management capabilities, ensuring safe operation under various conditions.
Why this Cell
The Reliance RS60 cell is specifically designed to meet the demands of drone applications, particularly in the context of weight versus power trade-offs. With a maximum continuous charge of 15 A, which is above the median of 8 A, it allows for rapid charging, essential for operational efficiency. The cell's volumetric power density of 7149 W/l is among the highest in the database, providing the necessary power for quick bursts of energy during flight. This is complemented by its gravimetric power density of 2517 W/kg, which supports the need for lightweight drone battery packs. The RS60's high energy density and discharge rates ensure that it can effectively extend drone flight time, addressing the critical pain point of improving UAV mission endurance. By selecting the RS60, designers can confidently optimise their UAV battery packs for performance and reliability.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a crucial role in the selection and optimisation of battery cells like the Reliance RS60 for drone applications. By modelling load profiles and thermal behaviour, engineers can accurately predict how the RS60 will perform under various conditions, including high discharge scenarios and temperature fluctuations. This predictive capability allows for informed decision-making when choosing cells for UAVs, ensuring that the selected battery can deliver the required thrust and energy throughout the entire flight envelope. Additionally, simulations can identify potential issues such as voltage sag and heat generation, enabling designers to implement effective battery thermal management strategies. This approach not only enhances the reliability of the drone but also maximises operational efficiency, reducing the risk of mid-air failures and extending the overall mission range. Ultimately, model-based design helps in achieving the optimal balance between weight and power in UAV battery pack design, ensuring that the RS60 cell meets the specific needs of each mission.


