BAK N18650CNP 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 BAK N18650CNP cell for fast charging UAV batteries, optimising performance while preventing overheating and degradation. Ideal for drone applications.
Value Propositions
Cylindrical 18650 form factor with a nominal capacity of 9.0 Wh.
Standard charge current of 1.25 A, with a maximum continuous charge of 5.0 A.
Top-quartile volumetric power density of 6,297 W/l, +109% vs database median of 2,029 W/l.
Gravimetric energy density of 191.489 Wh/kg, around median compared to industry standards.
Maximum continuous discharge of 30.0 A, top-quartile vs median of 30 A.

About the Cell
The BAK N18650CNP is a cylindrical 18650 lithium-ion cell designed for high-performance applications. With a nominal capacity of 9.0 Wh and a nominal capacity of 2.5 Ah, it offers a robust solution for UAV battery pack design. Its volumetric energy density of 525 Wh/l positions it among the highest in the database, making it ideal for lightweight drone battery packs. The gravimetric energy density of 191 Wh/kg is around the median, ensuring a balance between weight and energy storage. Additionally, the cell boasts a volumetric power density of 6,297 W/l, which is top-quartile compared to the median of 2,029 W/l, allowing for brisk current draws essential for fast charging applications. The maximum continuous discharge rate of 30.0 A further enhances its suitability for demanding UAV applications, ensuring reliable performance under high load conditions.
Application Challenges
In the context of EVTOL applications, fast charging of batteries is critical to ensure operational efficiency and mission readiness. The challenge lies in charging the BAK N18650CNP quickly without overheating the cells or causing lithium plating, which can degrade battery performance and safety. Effective battery thermal management is essential to prevent overheating during rapid charge cycles. The high energy density of the N18650CNP allows for extended flight times, but the design must also accommodate the high discharge rates required for UAV operations. This necessitates careful consideration of charge rates and thermal dynamics to maintain battery integrity and performance.
Why this Cell
The BAK N18650CNP cell is particularly well-suited for fast charging applications due to its high maximum continuous charge rate of 5.0 A, which is significantly higher than the database median of 8 A. This capability allows for rapid energy replenishment while maintaining safe operating temperatures. Furthermore, the cell's volumetric energy density of 525 Wh/l ensures that it can store a substantial amount of energy in a compact form, making it ideal for drone battery design. The top-quartile volumetric power density of 6,297 W/l supports high discharge rates, crucial for UAV battery optimization. This combination of features makes the N18650CNP an excellent choice for custom UAV battery packs that require both performance and safety.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a pivotal role in optimising the performance of the BAK N18650CNP cell for fast charging applications. By modelling load profiles, thermal rise, and voltage sag, engineers can predict how the cell will behave under various charging conditions. This allows for the identification of optimal charging strategies that prevent overheating and ensure safe operation. For instance, simulations can help determine the maximum safe charge current and the duration of charging cycles, minimising the risk of lithium plating. Additionally, these models can provide insights into usable energy across different flight profiles, enabling better mission planning and battery management. This predictive capability is essential for ensuring that UAV operators can rely on their battery systems to perform consistently and safely during critical missions.


