Samsung 40T Drone Battery: Weight v Power Trade Off in Pack Design - How to Pick the Right Balance
Discover the Samsung 40T drone battery, optimised for weight vs power trade off in pack design, ensuring high performance and reliability for UAV applications.
Value Propositions
Cylindrical 21700 form factor for efficient space utilisation.
Nominal capacity of 14.4 Wh and 4.0 Ah for reliable energy delivery.
Top-quartile volumetric power density of 6,516 W/l for high current demands.
Gravimetric energy density of 206 Wh/kg, ensuring lightweight solutions.
Maximum continuous discharge of 45 A, ideal for demanding UAV applications.
About the Cell
The Samsung 40T battery is a cylindrical 21700 cell with a nominal capacity of 14.4 Wh and 4.0 Ah, making it suitable for various UAV applications. It boasts a volumetric energy density of 579 Wh/l, which is around the median of 541 Wh/l in the database, ensuring efficient use of space in battery packs. The gravimetric energy density stands at 206 Wh/kg, slightly below the median of 210 Wh/kg, but still competitive in the market. With a maximum continuous discharge rate of 45 A, this cell is designed to handle high power demands, placing it in the top-quartile compared to the median of 30 A. Additionally, its volumetric power density of 6,516 W/l is among the highest in the database, providing excellent performance for applications requiring quick bursts of power. The standard charge current of 2.0 A and maximum continuous charge of 6.0 A allow for efficient charging cycles, making it a reliable choice for drone battery design.
Application Challenges
In the aerospace sector, the challenge of balancing weight and power in UAV battery pack design is critical. Drones require lightweight battery solutions that do not compromise on power output, especially in demanding applications such as long endurance flights and heavy-lift missions. The Samsung 40T addresses these challenges with its high energy density and robust discharge capabilities. The ability to optimise battery weight directly impacts flight time and mission success, making it essential to select the right cell for specific UAV applications. With the increasing demand for drones in various sectors, including industrial inspections and emergency response, the need for reliable and efficient battery solutions has never been greater. The Samsung 40T's specifications make it a strong contender for UAV battery optimisation, ensuring that operators can achieve their mission objectives without the risk of overheating or insufficient power.
Why this Cell
The Samsung 40T cell is particularly well-suited for UAV applications due to its impressive specifications. With a maximum continuous discharge rate of 45 A, it is positioned in the top-quartile compared to the median of 30 A in the database, allowing for high energy demands during flight. Its volumetric energy density of 579 Wh/l is around the median, providing a good balance between size and energy storage. This is crucial for applications where weight is a significant factor, such as long endurance drone batteries and VTOL designs. Additionally, the gravimetric energy density of 206 Wh/kg, while slightly below the median, still offers competitive performance for lightweight drone battery packs. The combination of these metrics ensures that the Samsung 40T can meet the rigorous demands of UAV battery pack design, making it an excellent choice for custom UAV battery packs.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a vital role in optimising the performance of the Samsung 40T battery for UAV applications. By modelling load profiles, engineers can predict how the battery will perform under various conditions, including different flight speeds and payloads. This allows for accurate predictions of voltage sag, thermal rise, and usable energy throughout the flight envelope. For instance, simulating the thermal behaviour of the battery under high discharge rates helps in selecting the right cell for heavy-lift missions, ensuring that the battery does not overheat and maintains optimal performance. Furthermore, using cell-specific data enables engineers to make informed decisions about battery thermal management and energy efficiency, ultimately leading to improved UAV mission endurance and reliability. This approach reduces the risk of mid-air failures and enhances operator confidence in drone readiness, particularly in critical applications where every minute of airtime counts.
