TerraE 40P 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 40P battery for fast charging in EVTOL applications, overcoming overheating and lithium plating challenges for optimal performance.
Value Propositions
Cylindrical 21700 form factor for compact design.
Nominal capacity of 14.4 Wh and 4.0 Ah for efficient energy storage.
Volumetric energy density of 566 Wh/l, top-quartile vs median 542 Wh/l.
Gravimetric power density of 2418 W/kg, +62% vs database median of 750 W/kg.
Maximum continuous discharge of 45 A, top-quartile vs median 30 A.
About the Cell
The TerraE 40P battery features a cylindrical 21700 form factor, providing a nominal capacity of 14.4 Wh and 4.0 Ah. With a volumetric energy density of 566 Wh/l, it ranks in the top-quartile compared to the database median of 542 Wh/l. The gravimetric energy density stands at 215 Wh/kg, which is around the median of 210 Wh/kg. Additionally, the battery boasts a volumetric power density of 6365 W/l, placing it among the highest in the database, and a gravimetric power density of 2418 W/kg, which is +62% vs the median of 750 W/kg. The maximum continuous discharge rate of 45 A positions it in the top-quartile against the median of 30 A, making it suitable for high-performance applications.
Application Challenges
In the EVTOL sector, fast charging of batteries is critical to ensure operational efficiency. The challenge lies in charging the TerraE 40P battery quickly without overheating the cells or causing lithium plating, which can degrade performance and safety. High charge currents can lead to thermal management issues, risking battery integrity. Therefore, understanding the thermal dynamics and energy management during fast charging is essential to prevent overheating and ensure reliable performance in demanding environments.
Why this Cell
The TerraE 40P battery is ideal for EVTOL applications due to its high energy density and robust discharge capabilities. With a maximum continuous charge rate of 6 A (1.5 C), it supports rapid charging while maintaining safety. The battery's volumetric energy density of 566 Wh/l is top-quartile compared to the median of 542 Wh/l, allowing for compact designs without sacrificing performance. Its high gravimetric power density of 2418 W/kg ensures that it can deliver the necessary power for demanding UAV operations, making it a reliable choice for fast charging applications.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a crucial role in optimising battery performance for EVTOL applications. By modelling load profiles, thermal rise, and voltage sag, engineers can predict how the TerraE 40P battery will behave under various charging conditions. This predictive capability allows for the selection of the most suitable battery cells, ensuring that thermal management strategies are in place to prevent overheating. Additionally, simulations can help in understanding usable energy across different flight profiles, enabling better planning and execution of UAV missions.
