TerraE 50P 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 fast charging in EVTOL applications, optimising performance while preventing overheating and degradation.
Value Propositions
Cylindrical 21700 form factor for compact design.
Nominal capacity of 18.0 Wh and 5.0 Ah for efficient energy storage.
Top-quartile volumetric power density of 6,860 W/l for rapid energy delivery.
Gravimetric energy density of 240 Wh/kg, ideal for lightweight UAV applications.
Maximum continuous discharge of 50 A, ensuring high performance under load.
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 686 Wh/l, it ranks among the highest in the database, significantly enhancing the energy storage capabilities for UAV applications. The gravimetric energy density of 240 Wh/kg positions it well for lightweight drone battery packs, ensuring that the overall weight remains manageable while delivering substantial power. The cell's volumetric power density of 6,860 W/l is also noteworthy, placing it in the top-quartile compared to the median of 2,029 W/l in the database. This high power density allows for brisk current draws, essential for fast charging applications. Furthermore, the maximum continuous discharge rate of 50 A, which is significantly above the median of 30 A, ensures that the cell can handle demanding operational requirements without overheating or degrading performance.
Application Challenges
In the EVTOL sector, fast charging of batteries is critical to operational efficiency. The challenge lies in charging the battery quickly without overheating the cells or causing lithium plating, which can degrade the battery or even lead to catastrophic failures. The TerraE 50P cell addresses these challenges with its high maximum continuous charge rate of 15 A, allowing for rapid charging while maintaining thermal stability. The cell's design must ensure that thermal management systems are effective, preventing overheating during the charging process. Additionally, the high energy density of the 50P cell allows for longer flight times, which is essential for UAVs operating in demanding environments. The ability to quickly recharge without compromising safety or performance is paramount, especially in applications requiring high discharge rates and reliability.
Why this Cell
The TerraE 50P cell is specifically designed for fast charging applications in EVTOLs. Its maximum continuous charge rate of 15 A is well above the median of 8 A in the database, allowing for efficient energy transfer during charging. The cell's volumetric energy density of 686 Wh/l ensures that it can store a significant amount of energy in a compact form, making it ideal for lightweight drone battery packs. Furthermore, the high gravimetric power density of 2,400 W/kg supports rapid energy delivery, essential for UAVs that require quick bursts of power. This combination of high energy and power densities, along with robust thermal management capabilities, makes the TerraE 50P an excellent choice for applications where fast charging is critical without the risk of overheating or lithium plating.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a crucial role in optimising the performance of the TerraE 50P cell for fast charging applications. By modelling load profiles and thermal behaviour, engineers can predict how the cell will respond under various charging conditions. This includes assessing heat generation during rapid charging and ensuring that the internal temperature remains within safe limits. Additionally, simulations can help in understanding voltage sag and usable energy, allowing for more accurate predictions of battery performance during flight. By using cell-specific data, designers can select the most suitable cells for their UAV applications, ensuring that they meet the demanding requirements of fast charging while maintaining safety and reliability. This approach reduces the risk of trial-and-error testing, leading to more efficient design processes and improved overall performance.
