Samsung 50S 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.
Explore the Samsung 50S cell for drones, designed for fast charging without overheating, ensuring safety and efficiency in UAV applications.
Value Propositions
Cylindrical 21700 form factor for compact designs.
Nominal capacity of 18.0 Wh and 5.0 Ah for reliable performance.
Top-quartile volumetric power density of 6467 W/l for rapid energy delivery.
Gravimetric energy density of 250 Wh/kg, ideal for lightweight UAV applications.
Maximum continuous discharge of 45 A, supporting high-performance UAV operations.

About the Cell
The Samsung 50S cell is a cylindrical 21700 battery with a nominal capacity of 18.0 Wh and 5.0 Ah, making it suitable for drone applications. It boasts a volumetric energy density of 719 Wh/l, which is significantly above the database median of 542 Wh/l, providing a compact solution for high energy needs. The gravimetric energy density of 250 Wh/kg is also impressive, positioning it well for lightweight drone battery packs. With a maximum continuous discharge of 45 A, this cell is designed to handle demanding UAV operations, ensuring that drones can perform efficiently without overheating. The standard charge current of 2.5 A allows for effective charging, while the maximum continuous charge current of 6.0 A supports rapid recharging capabilities. This cell's performance metrics place it among the highest in the database, making it a strong candidate for drone battery design and UAV battery pack design.
Application Challenges
In the realm of drones, fast charging of batteries presents unique challenges. The need to charge quickly without overheating cells or causing lithium plating is critical. Overheating can lead to battery degradation or even catastrophic failure, which is unacceptable in UAV applications. The Samsung 50S cell's high energy density and robust discharge capabilities are essential for addressing these challenges. With a maximum continuous discharge of 45 A, it can support high-performance UAV operations while maintaining safety. Additionally, the cell's thermal management is crucial to prevent overheating during rapid charging, ensuring that drones can operate effectively in various environments. The ability to charge quickly while maintaining battery integrity is vital for extending drone flight time and improving mission endurance.
Why this Cell
The Samsung 50S cell is specifically designed for drone applications, offering a combination of high energy density and robust performance metrics. With a volumetric power density of 6467 W/l, it is positioned in the top-quartile compared to the database median of 2029 W/l, allowing for rapid energy delivery during demanding flight scenarios. The maximum continuous discharge rate of 45 A ensures that the cell can handle high current draws without overheating, addressing the critical challenge of thermal management in UAVs. Furthermore, its gravimetric energy density of 250 Wh/kg supports lightweight drone battery packs, making it an ideal choice for UAV battery optimisation. This cell not only meets but exceeds the requirements for fast charging and high performance, making it a preferred option for drone battery suppliers and UAV battery pack manufacturers.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a crucial role in optimising the performance of the Samsung 50S cell for drone applications. By modelling load profiles, thermal rise, and voltage sag, engineers can predict how the cell will behave under various operating conditions. This approach allows for the identification of the optimal charging strategies that prevent overheating and lithium plating, ensuring safe and efficient operation. For instance, simulations can help determine the best charge rates and thermal management strategies to maximise the cell's performance while minimising risks. Additionally, using cell-specific data in simulations enables accurate predictions of usable energy and performance across different flight scenarios, which is essential for reliable UAV mission planning. This predictive capability is invaluable for drone manufacturers seeking to enhance battery thermal management and improve UAV mission endurance.


