Samsung 50S Drones Safety and risk management - particularly around overheating and thermal runaway during flight.
Discover the Samsung 50S cell for drones, optimised for safety and performance in thermal management, ensuring reliable flight operations.
Value Propositions
Cylindrical 21700 form factor for compact design.
Nominal capacity of 18.0 Wh and 5.0 Ah for extended flight time.
Top-quartile volumetric power density of 6467 W/l, +60% vs median.
Gravimetric energy density of 250 Wh/kg, around median performance.
Maximum continuous discharge of 45 A, top-quartile vs median 30 A.

About the Cell
The Samsung 50S is a cylindrical 21700 cell designed for drone applications, featuring a nominal capacity of 18.0 Wh and 5.0 Ah. With a volumetric energy density of 718 Wh/l, it ranks among the highest in the database, providing significant energy storage in a compact form. The cell's gravimetric energy density of 250 Wh/kg is around the median, ensuring a balance between weight and energy output. Its volumetric power density of 6467 W/l places it in the top-quartile, making it suitable for high-demand applications. Additionally, the maximum continuous discharge rate of 45 A, which is also top-quartile, allows for robust performance during critical operations. This combination of features makes the Samsung 50S an excellent choice for drone battery design, particularly in safety-critical scenarios where thermal management is paramount.
Application Challenges
In the realm of drones, safety and risk management are crucial, especially concerning overheating and thermal runaway during flight. Drones operate in various environments, often requiring long endurance and reliable performance. The Samsung 50S cell's specifications directly address these challenges. With a maximum continuous discharge rate of 45 A, it can handle the high power demands of drone operations without overheating, thus reducing the risk of thermal runaway. The high energy density ensures that drones can achieve longer flight times, which is essential for applications such as surveillance, delivery, and emergency response. Furthermore, the lightweight design of the cell contributes to improved UAV mission endurance, allowing for more efficient flight profiles and payload capacities.
Why this Cell
The Samsung 50S cell is particularly well-suited for drone applications due to its impressive specifications. The nominal capacity of 18.0 Wh and 5.0 Ah allows for extended flight times, which is critical for missions requiring long endurance. Its volumetric energy density of 718 Wh/l is among the highest in the database, ensuring that drones can carry more energy without increasing weight. The maximum continuous discharge rate of 45 A positions it in the top-quartile, enabling high discharge rates necessary for demanding flight maneuvers. This performance is vital for applications that require rapid acceleration or heavy lifting, making the Samsung 50S an ideal choice for UAV battery pack design. Additionally, the cell's thermal management capabilities help prevent overheating, addressing one of the core challenges in drone battery cell selection.
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 and thermal behaviour, engineers can predict how the cell will perform under various conditions, including high discharge rates and temperature fluctuations. This predictive capability allows for the selection of the most suitable cells for specific missions, ensuring that drones can operate reliably without the risk of thermal runaway. For instance, simulations can help determine the optimal charge and discharge rates, ensuring that the battery operates within safe limits while maximising energy output. Furthermore, by analysing voltage sag and usable energy, designers can refine their UAV battery performance testing, leading to improved powertrain efficiency and extended flight times. Overall, simulation enhances the design workflow, enabling the creation of custom UAV battery packs that meet the stringent demands of modern drone operations.


