TerraE 25P4 Weight v power trade off in pack design - how to pick the right balance.
Explore the TerraE 25P4 cell designed for UAVs, optimising weight and power for enhanced drone performance and endurance.
Value Propositions
Cylindrical 18650 form factor for compact design.
Nominal capacity of 9.0 Wh and 2.5 Ah for reliable energy supply.
Top-quartile volumetric power density of 5,977 W/l for high performance.
Gravimetric energy density of 191 Wh/kg, supporting lightweight designs.
Maximum continuous discharge of 30 A, ideal for demanding applications.
About the Cell
The TerraE 25P4 cell features a cylindrical 18650 form factor, optimising space and weight for UAV applications. With a nominal capacity of 9.0 Wh and 2.5 Ah, it provides a reliable energy source for various drone operations. The cell boasts a volumetric energy density of 498 Wh/l, which is around the median of the database, ensuring efficient use of space in battery packs. Its gravimetric energy density of 191 Wh/kg is slightly below the median, but still provides a solid foundation for lightweight drone battery packs. The cell's volumetric power density of 5,977 W/l places it in the top-quartile, making it suitable for high-performance applications where power output is critical. Additionally, the maximum continuous discharge rate of 30 A, which is at the upper limit of the database, allows for robust performance during demanding flight scenarios.
Application Challenges
In the context of EVTOL and the weight vs power trade off in pack design, selecting the right battery cell is crucial. Drones require a delicate balance between weight and power to achieve optimal flight performance. The TerraE 25P4 cell addresses these challenges by providing a high energy density while maintaining a lightweight profile. This is particularly important in UAV applications where every gram counts. The ability to achieve long endurance flight times is essential for missions such as surveillance, delivery, and emergency response. Furthermore, the risk of overheating during high discharge scenarios must be managed effectively to ensure safety and reliability. The TerraE 25P4's design mitigates these risks, making it a suitable choice for various UAV applications.
Why this Cell
The TerraE 25P4 cell is an excellent choice 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, allowing for high performance during critical flight phases. The cell's volumetric energy density of 498 Wh/l ensures that it can fit into compact designs without sacrificing energy capacity. This is vital for applications requiring long endurance, such as VTOL drone operations. Additionally, the gravimetric energy density of 191 Wh/kg, while slightly below the median, still supports the development of lightweight drone battery packs. The combination of these metrics makes the TerraE 25P4 a compelling option for drone battery design, particularly in scenarios where weight and power must be optimally balanced.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a crucial role in optimising the performance of the TerraE 25P4 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 cells for specific missions, ensuring that the drone can deliver the required thrust and energy throughout its flight envelope. For instance, simulating the thermal behaviour of the cell under maximum continuous discharge conditions helps identify potential overheating issues, enabling proactive design adjustments. Furthermore, using cell-specific data in simulations aids in accurately predicting the state of charge (SoC), which is essential for mission planning and execution. Overall, simulation enhances the reliability and efficiency of UAV battery pack design, ensuring that the TerraE 25P4 cell meets the demanding requirements of modern drone applications.
