Samsung 40T3 Weight v power trade off in pack design - how to pick the right balance.
Explore the Samsung 40T3 cell for UAV applications, balancing weight and power for optimal drone performance in challenging environments.
Value Propositions
Cylindrical 21700 form factor for efficient design.
Nominal capacity of 14.4 Wh and 4.0 Ah for reliable energy delivery.
Top-quartile volumetric energy density of 579 Wh/l for compact designs.
Maximum continuous discharge of 50 A, ideal for high-demand applications.
Gravimetric power density of 2571 W/kg, supporting robust performance.
About the Cell
The Samsung 40T3 cell features a cylindrical 21700 form factor, providing a nominal capacity of 14.4 Wh and 4.0 Ah. With a volumetric energy density of 579 Wh/l, it ranks in the top-quartile compared to the database median of 541.67 Wh/l, making it suitable for applications requiring compact energy storage. The gravimetric energy density of 205.714 Wh/kg is around the median, ensuring a balance between weight and energy. Additionally, the maximum continuous discharge of 50 A places it in the top-quartile compared to the median of 30 A, allowing for high power demands. The volumetric power density of 7240.55 W/l is among the highest in the database, providing excellent performance for rapid energy delivery.
Application Challenges
In the aerospace sector, the challenge of balancing weight and power in UAV battery pack design is critical. The Samsung 40T3 cell addresses this by providing high energy density while maintaining a lightweight profile. This is essential 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 flight time is crucial for improving UAV mission endurance and ensuring reliable performance in extreme environments. The challenge lies in selecting the right battery cells that can deliver the necessary power without adding excessive weight, which can compromise flight capabilities.
Why this Cell
The Samsung 40T3 cell is an excellent choice for UAV applications due to its impressive specifications. With a maximum continuous discharge of 50 A, it supports high discharge rate UAV batteries, making it ideal for demanding flight profiles. The volumetric energy density of 579 Wh/l, which is top-quartile compared to the median, allows for lightweight drone battery packs that do not sacrifice performance. This cell's gravimetric power density of 2571 W/kg ensures that it can deliver robust performance while keeping the overall weight low, which is vital for applications requiring extended flight times. The combination of these metrics makes the Samsung 40T3 a strong candidate for custom UAV battery packs.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a crucial role in optimising UAV battery performance. By modelling load profiles, thermal behaviour, and voltage sag, engineers can accurately predict how the Samsung 40T3 cell will perform under various conditions. This allows for informed decisions when selecting cells for drone battery packs, ensuring that the chosen battery can meet the specific demands of the mission. For instance, simulating the thermal rise during high discharge scenarios helps prevent overheating, which is a common challenge in drone battery design. Additionally, understanding usable energy through simulation aids in accurate SOC prediction, enhancing mission reliability. This approach not only improves performance but also reduces the risk of costly trial-and-error testing, ensuring that the right cell is selected for optimal drone operation.
