TerraE 50P Drones Weight v power trade off in pack design - how to pick the right balance.
Explore the TerraE 50P cell for drones, optimising weight and power for enhanced performance and endurance in UAV applications.
Value Propositions
Cylindrical 21700 form factor for compact design.
Nominal capacity of 18.0 Wh and 5.0 Ah for reliable performance.
Volumetric energy density of 686 Wh/l, top-quartile vs median.
Gravimetric power density of 2400 W/kg, among the highest in database.
Maximum continuous discharge of 50 A, top-quartile vs median.
About the Cell
The TerraE 50P cell features a cylindrical 21700 form factor, optimised for drone applications. With a nominal capacity of 18.0 Wh and 5.0 Ah, it provides a robust energy solution for UAVs. The cell boasts a volumetric energy density of 686 Wh/l, which is in the top-quartile compared to the database median of 541.67 Wh/l, ensuring that it can deliver high energy in a compact size. Additionally, the gravimetric energy density stands at 240 Wh/kg, which is around the median of 210 Wh/kg, making it a competitive choice for lightweight drone battery packs. The cell's volumetric power density is an impressive 6859.76 W/l, which is among the highest in the database, allowing for rapid energy delivery when needed. Furthermore, the maximum continuous discharge rate of 50 A places it in the top-quartile compared to the median of 30 A, making it suitable for high-demand applications.
Application Challenges
In the realm of drones, the challenge of balancing weight and power is critical for effective UAV operations. The application of the TerraE 50P cell directly addresses the weight v power trade-off in pack design. Drones require batteries that not only provide sufficient energy for extended flight times but also maintain a lightweight profile to enhance manoeuvrability and efficiency. The ability to select the right battery cell is paramount in ensuring that UAVs can perform optimally across various missions, from long endurance flights to heavy lift operations. The challenge lies in ensuring that the chosen battery can deliver the necessary power without adding excessive weight, which could compromise flight performance and mission success.
Why this Cell
The TerraE 50P cell is an ideal choice for drone applications due to its impressive specifications. With a maximum continuous discharge rate of 50 A, it is in the top-quartile compared to the median of 30 A, ensuring that it can handle high power demands during flight. Additionally, its volumetric energy density of 686 Wh/l is significantly higher than the database median, providing more energy in a smaller volume, which is crucial for UAV designs that prioritise weight reduction. The gravimetric power density of 2400 W/kg further supports the cell's suitability for drones, as it allows for efficient energy delivery without compromising on weight. This combination of high energy and power densities makes the TerraE 50P an excellent option for custom UAV battery packs, enabling engineers to optimise drone performance while addressing the critical weight v power trade-off.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a vital role in optimising battery selection for drone applications. By simulating load profiles, thermal behaviour, and voltage response, engineers can accurately predict how the TerraE 50P cell will perform under various conditions. This modelling allows for the assessment of energy consumption and thermal management, ensuring that the cell can operate safely and efficiently during missions. For instance, by evaluating the cell's performance at different discharge rates, designers can identify the optimal configurations that maximise flight time while preventing overheating. Furthermore, simulation enables the prediction of usable energy across the entire flight envelope, which is essential for mission planning and execution. This data-driven approach reduces the risk of trial-and-error testing, allowing for confident selection of the best battery cells for UAVs.
