TerraE 20P Safety and risk management - particularly around overheating and thermal runaway during flight.
Explore the TerraE 20P cell for UAV applications, addressing safety and risk management challenges during flight with high energy density and performance.
Value Propositions
Cylindrical 18650 form factor for versatile applications.
Nominal capacity of 7.2 Wh and 2.0 Ah for reliable energy supply.
Top-quartile volumetric power density of 5,918 W/l for high performance.
Gravimetric energy density of 160 Wh/kg for lightweight UAV designs.
Maximum continuous discharge of 30 A for demanding applications.
About the Cell
The TerraE 20P cell is designed in a cylindrical 18650 form factor, providing a nominal capacity of 7.2 Wh and 2.0 Ah, making it suitable for various UAV applications. With a volumetric energy density of 395 Wh/l, it stands out in the market, being around the median for volumetric energy density. The gravimetric energy density of 160 Wh/kg positions it well for lightweight drone battery packs. Additionally, the cell boasts a volumetric power density of 5,918 W/l, which is in the top-quartile compared to the database median of 2,029 W/l. The maximum continuous discharge rate of 30 A ensures that it can handle high energy demands during flight, making it ideal for applications requiring robust performance.
Application Challenges
In the context of EVTOL and safety and risk management, particularly around overheating and thermal runaway during flight, the TerraE 20P cell addresses critical challenges. Drones operating in various environments must manage thermal conditions effectively to prevent overheating, which can lead to catastrophic failures. The high energy density of the 20P cell allows for extended flight times, which is crucial for missions that require reliability and efficiency. The ability to maintain performance under high discharge rates is essential for UAVs, especially in emergency situations where every second counts. The design of the battery must also consider weight versus flight time, ensuring that the drone can carry its payload without compromising safety.
Why this Cell
The TerraE 20P cell is particularly suited for UAV 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, ensuring it can meet the high demands of drone operations. The gravimetric energy density of 160 Wh/kg supports lightweight drone designs, which is essential for enhancing flight time and payload capacity. Additionally, the volumetric energy density of 395 Wh/l allows for compact battery designs, crucial for UAVs that require efficient space utilisation. The combination of these metrics makes the TerraE 20P an excellent choice for custom UAV battery packs, ensuring safety and performance during critical missions.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a vital role in optimising the performance of the TerraE 20P cell for UAV applications. By modelling load profiles, engineers can predict how the cell will behave under various conditions, including thermal rise and voltage sag. This predictive capability allows for the selection of the most suitable cell for specific mission profiles, ensuring that the UAV can operate safely and efficiently. For instance, simulating thermal behaviour helps identify potential overheating risks, enabling engineers to make informed decisions about battery management systems. Furthermore, understanding usable energy through simulation aids in accurate state-of-charge (SoC) predictions, which is critical for mission planning and execution. Overall, these design methodologies enhance the reliability and safety of UAV operations, particularly in challenging environments.
