TerraE 50P 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 50P cell for drones, designed for fast charging while preventing overheating and lithium plating, ensuring safety and efficiency.
Value Propositions
Cylindrical 21700 form factor for compact design.
Nominal capacity of 18.0 Wh and 5.0 Ah for reliable performance.
Top-quartile volumetric power density of 6,860 W/l for rapid energy delivery.
Gravimetric energy density of 240 Wh/kg, ideal for lightweight drone applications.
Maximum continuous discharge of 50 A supports high-performance UAVs.
About the Cell
The TerraE 50P cell features a cylindrical 21700 form factor, providing a nominal capacity of 18.0 Wh and 5.0 Ah. With a volumetric energy density of approximately 686 Wh/l, it ranks among the highest in the database, significantly exceeding the median of 542 Wh/l by +27%. The gravimetric energy density of 240 Wh/kg also places it in the top-quartile, surpassing the median of 210 Wh/kg by +14%. The cell's volumetric power density of 6,860 W/l is exceptional, being +64% higher than the median of 2,029 W/l, making it suitable for applications requiring rapid energy delivery. Additionally, the gravimetric power density of 2,400 W/kg is well above the median of 750 W/kg, ensuring high performance during demanding operations. The maximum continuous charge of 15 A and discharge of 50 A further enhance its capabilities, allowing for efficient energy management in UAV applications.
Application Challenges
In the context of drones, fast charging presents unique challenges. The need to charge batteries quickly without overheating or causing lithium plating is critical. Overheating can lead to thermal runaway, while lithium plating can degrade battery performance and safety. The TerraE 50P cell addresses these challenges with its high maximum continuous discharge of 50 A, which supports rapid energy delivery while maintaining thermal stability. The cell's design ensures that it can handle the demands of high-energy applications, making it suitable for various UAV missions, including long endurance flights and heavy-lift operations. Effective battery thermal management is essential to prevent overheating, and the TerraE 50P's specifications allow for efficient heat dissipation during fast charging cycles.
Why this Cell
The TerraE 50P cell is specifically designed for drone applications where fast charging is essential. Its maximum continuous discharge of 50 A allows for high current draws, which is crucial for rapid charging without compromising safety. The cell's volumetric power density of 6,860 W/l, which is +64% above the median, ensures that it can deliver energy quickly and efficiently. This is particularly important in scenarios where drones need to be operational with minimal downtime. Furthermore, the gravimetric energy density of 240 Wh/kg supports lightweight designs, making it ideal for UAVs that require both performance and efficiency. The combination of these metrics makes the TerraE 50P a top choice for drone battery design, ensuring that operators can achieve optimal flight times and mission success.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a crucial role in optimising the performance of the TerraE 50P cell for drone applications. By modelling load profiles and thermal behaviour, engineers can predict how the cell will perform under various conditions, including rapid charging scenarios. This approach allows for the identification of potential overheating issues before they occur, ensuring that the cell operates within safe temperature limits. Additionally, simulations can help determine the optimal charging rates and discharge profiles, maximising the usable energy from the cell while preventing lithium plating. By leveraging cell-specific data, designers can make informed decisions about battery pack configurations, enhancing overall UAV performance and reliability. This predictive capability is essential for ensuring that drones can complete their missions safely and efficiently, particularly in demanding environments.
