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Samsung 40T 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 40T cell for drones, designed for fast charging without overheating, ensuring safety and efficiency in UAV applications.

Value Propositions

  • Cylindrical 21700 form factor for compact design.

  • Nominal capacity of 14.4 Wh and 4.0 Ah for reliable performance.

  • Top-quartile volumetric energy density of 579 Wh/l for efficient space utilisation.

  • Maximum continuous discharge of 45 A, ideal for high-demand applications.

  • Gravimetric power density of 2314 W/kg, ensuring quick energy delivery.

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About the Cell

The Samsung 40T cell is a cylindrical 21700 battery with a nominal capacity of 14.4 Wh (4.0 Ah). It boasts a volumetric energy density of 579 Wh/l, placing it in the top-quartile compared to the database median of 541.67 Wh/l, which allows for efficient use of space in drone designs. The gravimetric energy density is 206 Wh/kg, which is around the median of 210 Wh/kg, making it a competitive choice for lightweight drone battery packs. With a maximum continuous discharge rate of 45 A, this cell is designed to handle high power demands, ensuring reliability during critical flight operations. Additionally, the volumetric power density of 6516 W/l is among the highest in the database, significantly enhancing the performance of UAV battery packs.

Application Challenges

In the context of drones, fast charging is crucial for maintaining operational efficiency. The challenge lies in charging the battery quickly without overheating the cells or causing lithium plating, which can degrade battery performance or lead to safety hazards. The Samsung 40T cell addresses these challenges with its robust thermal management capabilities and high discharge rates. Ensuring that the battery can handle rapid charging while maintaining a safe temperature is essential for extending drone flight time and improving UAV mission endurance. The ability to prevent overheating is vital in high-demand scenarios, such as heavy lift operations or in extreme environments where battery performance can be compromised.

Why this Cell

The Samsung 40T cell is an excellent choice for drone applications due to its impressive specifications. With a maximum continuous charge rate of 6 A (1.5 C), it supports rapid charging without compromising safety, making it suitable for fast charge applications. The high volumetric energy density of 579 Wh/l allows for longer flight times, which is critical for UAVs operating in demanding environments. Furthermore, the maximum continuous discharge rate of 45 A positions it in the top-quartile compared to the median of 30 A in the database, ensuring that it can deliver the necessary power for high-performance drone operations. This combination of features makes the Samsung 40T an ideal candidate for custom UAV battery packs that require both efficiency and reliability.

How Model-Based Design Helps

Simulation and model-based design play a crucial role in optimising the performance of the Samsung 40T 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 approach allows for accurate assessments of heat generation and voltage response, enabling the selection of the most suitable battery for specific missions. For instance, simulating the thermal rise during high discharge rates helps in understanding the limits of the cell, ensuring that it operates within safe parameters. Additionally, using cell-specific data to model energy consumption across different flight profiles aids in optimising battery weight versus flight time, ultimately enhancing drone powertrain efficiency and mission success.

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