TerraE 25P4 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 TerraE 25P4 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 9.0 Wh and 2.5 Ah for reliable energy supply.
Volumetric energy density of 498 Wh/l, top-quartile vs median.
Gravimetric power density of 2297 W/kg, +53% vs database median.
Maximum continuous discharge of 30 A, top-quartile vs median.
About the Cell
The TerraE 25P4 cell features a cylindrical 18650 form factor, optimised for drone applications. With a nominal capacity of 9.0 Wh and 2.5 Ah, it provides a reliable energy supply for various UAV designs. Its volumetric energy density of 498 Wh/l places it in the top-quartile compared to the database median of 541.67 Wh/l, making it suitable for long endurance missions. The gravimetric energy density of 191.489 Wh/kg is around the median, ensuring a lightweight solution for drone battery packs. Additionally, the cell boasts a volumetric power density of 5976.76 W/l, which is among the highest in the database, facilitating quick energy delivery during demanding flight scenarios. The maximum continuous discharge rate of 30 A positions it in the top-quartile, allowing for high discharge applications without compromising safety.
Application Challenges
In the context of drones, fast charging presents unique challenges. The need to charge batteries quickly without overheating is critical to prevent lithium plating, which can degrade battery performance and pose safety risks. The TerraE 25P4 cell addresses these challenges with its robust design and high discharge capabilities. The standard charge current of 2.5 A and maximum continuous charge of 6.0 A ensure efficient charging while maintaining thermal stability. This is essential for applications requiring rapid turnaround times, such as emergency response or delivery services. The ability to manage heat generation during charging is vital, as overheating can lead to battery failure or safety hazards. Therefore, effective thermal management strategies are necessary to optimise the performance of UAV battery packs, ensuring reliability and safety in various operational environments.
Why this Cell
The TerraE 25P4 cell is an excellent choice 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, making it suitable for high-demand scenarios. The cell's volumetric energy density of 498 Wh/l is also noteworthy, as it is +8% compared to the median, allowing for longer flight times without increasing weight. This is particularly important for UAVs that require extended endurance for missions. Furthermore, the gravimetric power density of 2297 W/kg is +53% vs the median, ensuring that the cell can deliver power efficiently during critical phases of flight. These features make the TerraE 25P4 a reliable option for drone battery design, optimising both performance and safety.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a crucial role in optimising the performance of the TerraE 25P4 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 rapid charging scenarios. This allows for the identification of potential overheating issues before they occur, enabling the implementation of effective thermal management strategies. Additionally, simulations can help in understanding voltage sag and usable energy across different flight profiles, ensuring that the battery can meet the demands of its intended application. By using cell-specific data, designers can make informed decisions about battery pack configurations, leading to improved UAV performance and reliability. This approach reduces the risk of trial-and-error testing, saving time and resources while enhancing the overall design process.
