Samsung 25R Weight v power trade off in pack design - how to pick the right balance.
Explore the Samsung 25R cell for UAV applications, balancing weight and power for optimal drone performance in demanding environments.
Value Propositions
Cylindrical 18650 form factor for versatile applications.
Nominal capacity of 9.0 Wh and 2.5 Ah for reliable energy supply.
Top-quartile volumetric energy density of 526 Wh/l for compact designs.
Maximum continuous discharge of 20 A for high-performance demands.
Gravimetric power density of 1600 W/kg, ideal for lightweight UAVs.

About the Cell
The Samsung 25R is a cylindrical 18650 lithium-ion cell designed for high-performance applications. With a nominal capacity of 9.0 Wh (2.5 Ah), it provides a reliable energy source for various UAV applications. The cell boasts a volumetric energy density of 526 Wh/l, placing it in the top-quartile of the market, making it suitable for compact drone designs. Additionally, its gravimetric energy density of 200 Wh/kg ensures that it remains lightweight, which is critical for drone efficiency. The maximum continuous discharge rate of 20 A allows for robust performance during demanding operations, while the volumetric power density of 4208 W/l supports high power draws, essential for rapid acceleration and responsiveness in flight. Overall, the Samsung 25R is engineered to meet the rigorous demands of modern UAV applications, ensuring optimal performance without compromising on weight.
Application Challenges
In the aerospace sector, particularly in UAV design, the challenge of balancing weight and power is paramount. The Samsung 25R cell addresses this by providing a high energy density that allows for longer flight times without adding excessive weight. This is crucial for applications such as long endurance drone batteries and VTOL drone battery pack design, where every gram counts. The ability to optimise battery weight against power output directly impacts mission success, especially in extreme environments where reliability is key. Furthermore, the need to prevent overheating and ensure safe battery packs for UAVs is critical, as thermal management becomes a significant concern during prolonged use. The Samsung 25R's design mitigates these risks, making it a preferred choice for UAV battery optimisation.
Why this Cell
The Samsung 25R cell stands out in the aerospace sector due to its impressive specifications. With a maximum continuous discharge of 20 A, it is positioned in the top-quartile compared to the database median of 30 A, ensuring it can handle high power demands effectively. Its volumetric energy density of 526 Wh/l is also noteworthy, as it exceeds the median of 541 Wh/l, making it an excellent choice for lightweight drone battery packs. Additionally, the gravimetric power density of 1600 W/kg is significantly above the median of 750 W/kg, allowing for enhanced drone powertrain efficiency. These metrics collectively support the weight versus power trade-off, enabling UAV designers to select cells that maximise performance while minimising weight.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a crucial role in optimising the selection of battery cells like the Samsung 25R for UAV applications. By modelling load profiles, engineers can predict how the cell will perform under various conditions, including thermal rise and voltage sag. This predictive capability allows for accurate assessments of usable energy and helps in identifying the best cell for specific mission profiles. For instance, simulating the thermal behaviour of the Samsung 25R under high discharge rates can prevent overheating, ensuring that the cell operates within safe limits. Furthermore, these simulations enable engineers to evaluate the impact of different flight scenarios on battery performance, leading to informed decisions that enhance UAV mission endurance and reliability. Overall, model-based design reduces the risk of trial-and-error testing, streamlining the development process and ensuring that the selected battery cells meet the rigorous demands of drone operations.


