TerraE 20P 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 TerraE 20P cell for drones, designed for fast charging without overheating, ensuring safety and efficiency in UAV applications.
Value Propositions
Cylindrical 18650 form factor for compact design.
Nominal capacity of 7.2 Wh and 2.0 Ah for reliable performance.
Top-quartile volumetric power density of 5,918 W/l for rapid energy delivery.
Gravimetric energy density of 160 Wh/kg for lightweight UAV battery packs.
Maximum continuous discharge of 30 A for high-performance applications.
About the Cell
The TerraE 20P cell is a cylindrical 18650 battery designed specifically for drone applications. With a nominal capacity of 7.2 Wh and 2.0 Ah, it provides reliable energy storage for various UAV operations. The cell boasts a volumetric energy density of 395 Wh/l, which is around the median of the database, ensuring efficient use of space in battery packs. Additionally, its gravimetric energy density of 160 Wh/kg positions it well within the market, offering a lightweight solution for drone battery packs. The cell's volumetric power density of 5,918 W/l places it in the top-quartile compared to the database median of 2,029 W/l, making it ideal for applications requiring quick energy delivery. Furthermore, the maximum continuous discharge rate of 30 A allows for high-performance applications, ensuring that drones can operate effectively under demanding conditions.
Application Challenges
In the context of drones, fast charging of batteries presents unique challenges. The primary concern is to charge the battery quickly without overheating the cells or causing lithium plating, which can degrade the battery's performance and safety. High discharge rates are often necessary for UAV operations, particularly in applications such as heavy-lift missions or long endurance flights. The TerraE 20P cell's specifications, including its maximum continuous discharge of 30 A, are crucial in addressing these challenges. Effective thermal management is essential to prevent overheating during rapid charging, and the cell's design must accommodate this requirement to ensure safe operation. Moreover, the ability to maintain performance in extreme environments is vital for mission success, making the selection of the right battery cell critical in UAV battery pack design.
Why this Cell
The TerraE 20P cell is particularly suited for drone applications due to its impressive specifications. With a maximum continuous discharge rate of 30 A, it is positioned in the top-quartile compared to the database median of 30 A, allowing for high energy demands during flight. Its volumetric energy density of 395 Wh/l ensures that drones can carry more energy without increasing weight, which is essential for extending flight times. Additionally, the cell's gravimetric energy density of 160 Wh/kg supports lightweight drone battery packs, making it an excellent choice for UAV optimisation. The ability to charge at a maximum continuous charge rate of 4.0 A (2.0 C) further enhances its appeal, allowing for rapid recharging while maintaining safety standards. This combination of features makes the TerraE 20P an ideal candidate for custom UAV battery packs, ensuring that operators can achieve their mission objectives without compromising on safety or performance.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a crucial role in optimising the performance of the TerraE 20P cell for drone applications. By modelling load profiles and thermal behaviour, engineers can predict how the cell will respond under various operating conditions. This includes assessing heat generation during rapid charging and discharge cycles, which is vital for preventing overheating and ensuring safe operation. Additionally, simulations can help identify the optimal charge and discharge rates, allowing for effective battery thermal management. By using cell-specific data, engineers can simulate voltage sag and usable energy across different flight scenarios, enabling them to make informed decisions about battery selection and design. This approach not only enhances the reliability of UAV operations but also reduces the risk of costly failures during missions, ensuring that drones are always ready for action.
