BAK N18650CNP Weight v power trade off in pack design - how to pick the right balance.
Explore the BAK N18650CNP cell for UAVs, optimising weight and power for enhanced drone performance and endurance in demanding applications.
Value Propositions
Cylindrical 18650 form factor for versatile applications.
Nominal capacity of 9.0 Wh, ideal for UAV battery pack design.
Top-quartile volumetric energy density of 525 Wh/l for lightweight drone battery packs.
Maximum continuous discharge of 30.0 A, ensuring high performance in demanding conditions.
Gravimetric power density of 2,298 W/kg, supporting efficient drone powertrain efficiency.
About the Cell
The BAK N18650CNP is a cylindrical lithium-ion cell with a nominal capacity of 9.0 Wh and 2.5 Ah, designed specifically for UAV applications. With a volumetric energy density of 525 Wh/l, it ranks in the top-quartile compared to the median of 542 Wh/l in the database, making it an excellent choice for long endurance drone batteries. Its gravimetric energy density of 191.489 Wh/kg is around the median, providing a balanced performance for various UAV designs. The cell features a maximum continuous discharge of 30.0 A, which is among the highest in the database, allowing for robust performance during high-demand operations. Additionally, the volumetric power density of 6,297 W/l is significantly above the median of 2,029 W/l, ensuring that the cell can deliver power efficiently when needed.
Application Challenges
In the context of EVTOL and the weight versus power trade-off in pack design, selecting the right battery cell is crucial. UAVs require batteries that not only provide sufficient energy for extended flight times but also maintain a lightweight profile to enhance overall performance. The BAK N18650CNP addresses these challenges with its high energy density and power capabilities. The ability to discharge at 30.0 A ensures that UAVs can perform demanding tasks without overheating or compromising safety. Furthermore, the design must consider thermal management to prevent overheating during high discharge scenarios, which is critical for mission success in extreme environments.
Why this Cell
The BAK N18650CNP cell is particularly suited for UAV applications due to its impressive specifications. With a maximum continuous discharge rate of 30.0 A, it is among the highest in the database, allowing for efficient energy delivery during critical flight phases. Its volumetric energy density of 525 Wh/l places it in the top-quartile, providing the necessary energy without adding excessive weight. This balance is essential for optimising flight time and payload capacity in UAVs. The cell's gravimetric power density of 2,298 W/kg supports high discharge rates, ensuring that the drone can maintain performance even under heavy loads. These attributes make the N18650CNP an ideal choice for custom UAV battery packs.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a vital role in optimising battery selection for UAV applications. By modelling load profiles, thermal behaviour, and voltage response, engineers can predict how the BAK N18650CNP will perform under various conditions. This approach allows for accurate assessments of usable energy and thermal rise, ensuring that the selected cell meets the specific demands of the mission. For instance, simulating high discharge scenarios can help identify potential overheating issues, enabling proactive thermal management strategies. Additionally, modelling can assist in determining the optimal charge and discharge rates, ensuring that the UAV operates efficiently throughout its flight envelope. This data-driven approach reduces the risk of costly trial-and-error testing and enhances the reliability of UAV operations.
