TerraE 50P Weight v power trade off in pack design - how to pick the right balance.
Discover the TerraE 50P cell, designed for UAV applications, balancing weight and power for optimal drone performance and endurance.
Value Propositions
Cylindrical 21700 form factor for compact design.
Nominal capacity of 18.0 Wh and 5.0 Ah for reliable energy supply.
Top-quartile volumetric power density of 6859 W/l, +238% vs median.
Gravimetric energy density of 240 Wh/kg, around median for lightweight applications.
Maximum continuous discharge of 50 A, top-quartile vs median 30 A.
About the Cell
The TerraE 50P cell is a cylindrical 21700 battery with a nominal capacity of 18.0 Wh and 5.0 Ah, making it suitable for UAV applications. With a volumetric energy density of 686 Wh/l, it ranks among the highest in the database, providing efficient space utilisation for drone designs. The gravimetric energy density of 240 Wh/kg is around the median, ensuring a lightweight solution for extended flight times. Additionally, the cell boasts a volumetric power density of 6859 W/l, which is top-quartile compared to the median of 2029 W/l, allowing for brisk current draws essential in UAV operations. The maximum continuous discharge rate of 50 A positions it well for high-demand applications, ensuring that drones can perform optimally without overheating or compromising safety.
Application Challenges
In the context of EVTOL and the weight versus power trade-off in pack design, the TerraE 50P cell addresses critical challenges faced by UAV manufacturers. The need for lightweight yet powerful battery solutions is paramount, as every gram counts in drone design. The ability to deliver high energy and power density directly impacts flight time and payload capacity. For instance, the high volumetric power density of 6859 W/l allows for efficient energy delivery during demanding flight scenarios, while the maximum continuous discharge of 50 A ensures that drones can handle peak power requirements without risk of thermal runaway. These factors are crucial for applications such as long endurance missions and heavy-lift operations, where reliability and performance are non-negotiable.
Why this Cell
The TerraE 50P cell is specifically engineered to meet the demands of UAV applications, particularly in balancing weight and power. With a maximum continuous discharge rate of 50 A, it is positioned in the top-quartile compared to the median of 30 A, allowing for robust performance during critical flight phases. Its volumetric energy density of 686 Wh/l is among the highest in the database, making it an ideal choice for long endurance drone batteries. This cell's ability to maintain high performance while keeping weight low is essential for UAVs that require efficient energy management and extended operational range. The combination of high energy density and power capabilities makes the TerraE 50P a compelling option for custom UAV battery packs.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a pivotal role in optimising the selection of the TerraE 50P cell for UAV applications. By modelling load profiles, thermal behaviour, and voltage response, engineers can accurately predict how the cell will perform under various conditions. For example, simulating the thermal rise during high discharge scenarios allows for the identification of potential overheating issues, ensuring that the selected cell can handle the demands of heavy-lift missions without risk of failure. Additionally, modelling usable energy across different flight profiles helps in determining the optimal configuration for battery packs, ensuring that drones can achieve their mission objectives efficiently. This approach not only enhances the reliability of drone operations but also reduces the need for costly trial-and-error testing, streamlining the design process.
