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BAK N18650CNP 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.

Explore the BAK N18650CNP cell for drones, designed for fast charging while preventing overheating and lithium plating, ensuring safety and efficiency.

Value Propositions

  • Cylindrical 18650 form factor for versatile applications.

  • Nominal capacity of 9.0 Wh and 2.5 Ah for reliable energy delivery.

  • Top-quartile volumetric power density of 6,297 W/l for rapid energy transfer.

  • Gravimetric energy density of 191 Wh/kg, optimising weight for UAVs.

  • Maximum continuous discharge of 30 A, supporting high-performance applications.

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About the Cell

The BAK N18650CNP cell features a cylindrical 18650 form factor, providing a nominal capacity of 9.0 Wh (2.5 Ah). With a volumetric energy density of 525 Wh/l, it is designed for high energy applications, particularly in drones. The cell exhibits a gravimetric energy density of 191 Wh/kg, making it lightweight and efficient for UAV battery packs. Its volumetric power density of 6,297 W/l positions it among the highest in the database, allowing for brisk current draws. Additionally, the maximum continuous discharge rate of 30 A (12.0 C) ensures that it can handle demanding power requirements without overheating, which is critical for fast charging scenarios. This cell is ideal for applications requiring rapid energy transfer while maintaining safety and performance.

Application Challenges

In the context of drones, the challenge of fast charging batteries is paramount. Rapid charging must be achieved without overheating the cells or causing lithium plating, which can degrade battery performance and pose safety risks. The BAK N18650CNP cell is engineered to address these challenges, providing a maximum continuous charge rate of 5.0 A (2.0 C) that allows for efficient charging while managing thermal performance. Effective thermal management is essential to prevent overheating, especially during high discharge scenarios. The ability to charge quickly without compromising safety is vital for UAV operations, where reliability and endurance are key. This cell's design supports the need for lightweight drone battery packs that can deliver high energy density, enabling longer flight times and improved mission endurance.

Why this Cell

The BAK N18650CNP cell is particularly suited for drone applications due to its impressive specifications. With a maximum continuous discharge rate of 30 A, it is positioned in the top-quartile compared to the database median of 30 A, ensuring that it can meet the high demands of UAV operations. Its volumetric energy density of 525 Wh/l is around the median, providing a balance of size and energy capacity. The cell's gravimetric energy density of 191 Wh/kg is also competitive, allowing for lightweight designs that do not sacrifice performance. These features make it an excellent choice for custom UAV battery packs, where both energy efficiency and weight are critical factors. The ability to charge quickly while maintaining safety standards is a significant advantage in the fast-paced world of drone technology.

How Model-Based Design Helps

Simulation and model-based design play a crucial role in optimising the performance of the BAK N18650CNP cell for drone applications. By modelling load profiles, thermal rise, and voltage sag, engineers can predict how the cell will behave under various conditions. This predictive capability allows for the selection of the most suitable cells based on real-world scenarios, ensuring that the chosen battery can deliver the required thrust and energy throughout the flight. For instance, simulating the thermal behaviour of the cell during fast charging can help identify potential overheating issues before they occur, allowing for proactive design adjustments. Moreover, understanding usable energy across different flight profiles enables better planning for mission profiles, ensuring that drones can operate efficiently and reliably. This approach reduces the risks associated with trial-and-error testing, leading to more confident decisions in cell selection and battery design.

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