Samsung 20S 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 Samsung 20S cell for drones, designed for fast charging without overheating, ensuring safety and efficiency in UAV applications.
Value Propositions
Cylindrical 18650 form factor for compact design.
Nominal capacity of 7.2 Wh and 2.0 Ah for reliable performance.
Top-quartile volumetric power density of 6228 W/l for rapid energy delivery.
Gravimetric energy density of 150 Wh/kg supports lightweight UAV designs.
Maximum continuous discharge of 30 A enables high-performance applications.
About the Cell
The Samsung 20S cell features a cylindrical 18650 form factor, providing a nominal capacity of 7.2 Wh and 2.0 Ah. With a volumetric energy density of 415 Wh/l, it is designed for high energy applications, particularly in drone technology. The cell boasts a gravimetric energy density of 150 Wh/kg, making it suitable for lightweight drone battery packs. Its volumetric power density of 6228 W/l places it in the top-quartile compared to the database median of 2029 W/l, ensuring that it can deliver energy quickly when needed. Additionally, the maximum continuous discharge rate of 30 A allows for high-performance UAV applications, making it an ideal choice for demanding missions.
Application Challenges
In the context of drones, fast charging of batteries presents unique challenges. The need to charge quickly without overheating the cells or causing lithium plating is critical. Overheating can lead to battery degradation or even catastrophic failure, which is unacceptable in UAV operations. The Samsung 20S cell addresses these challenges with its robust thermal management capabilities and high discharge rates. Ensuring that the battery can handle rapid charging while maintaining safety and performance is essential for applications such as long endurance flights and heavy lift missions. The ability to prevent overheating and ensure safe operation is paramount for extending drone flight times and improving mission endurance.
Why this Cell
The Samsung 20S cell is particularly suited for drone applications due to its impressive specifications. With a maximum continuous discharge of 30 A, it is positioned in the top-quartile compared to the database median of 30 A, allowing for high discharge rates necessary for demanding UAV operations. Its volumetric energy density of 415 Wh/l is significantly above the median of 541 Wh/l, making it a competitive choice for high energy density drone batteries. The cell's design prioritises lightweight construction, which is crucial for UAV performance, ensuring that it can support extended flight times without compromising on power delivery. This makes the Samsung 20S an excellent option for custom UAV battery packs.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a crucial role in optimising the performance of the Samsung 20S cell in drone applications. By modelling load profiles and thermal behaviour, engineers can predict how the cell will perform under various conditions, including rapid charging scenarios. This predictive capability allows for the identification of potential overheating issues before they occur, ensuring that the battery operates within safe limits. Furthermore, simulations can help in understanding voltage sag and usable energy across different flight profiles, enabling designers to select the best cells for UAVs based on real-world performance data. This approach not only enhances battery thermal management but also improves overall drone powertrain efficiency, leading to safer and more reliable UAV operations.
