Molicel M65A 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.
Discover the Molicel M65A cell for drones, designed for fast charging without overheating, ensuring safety and efficiency in UAV applications.
Value Propositions
Cylindrical 21700 form factor for compact design.
Nominal capacity of 23.4 Wh and 6.5 Ah for reliable performance.
Top-quartile volumetric energy density of 914 Wh/l for extended flight times.
Gravimetric power density of 1256 W/kg, ideal for high discharge rates.
Maximum continuous discharge of 26 A, supporting demanding UAV applications.
About the Cell
The Molicel M65A is a cylindrical 21700 cell with a nominal capacity of 23.4 Wh (6.5 Ah). It boasts a volumetric energy density of 914 Wh/l, placing it in the top-quartile compared to the database median of 542 Wh/l, and a gravimetric energy density of 314 Wh/kg, which is around the median of 210 Wh/kg. With a volumetric power density of 3655 W/l, it is among the highest in the database, significantly enhancing drone performance. The cell supports a maximum continuous discharge of 26 A, which is top-quartile compared to the median of 30 A, making it suitable for high-demand applications in UAVs. This combination of features makes the M65A an excellent choice for drone battery design, ensuring both efficiency and safety.
Application Challenges
In the context of drones, fast charging presents unique challenges. The need to charge batteries quickly without overheating is critical to prevent lithium plating, which can degrade battery performance and safety. The Molicel M65A addresses these challenges with its high energy density and robust thermal management capabilities. The ability to handle a maximum continuous discharge of 26 A allows for rapid energy delivery while maintaining safe operating temperatures. This is essential for applications requiring long endurance and reliability, such as industrial inspections and emergency response missions. The M65A's design ensures that UAVs can operate efficiently in extreme environments, where battery performance is paramount.
Why this Cell
The Molicel M65A cell is specifically designed for the demanding requirements of drone applications. With a volumetric energy density of 914 Wh/l, it is positioned in the top-quartile compared to the database median of 542 Wh/l, allowing for longer flight times without increasing weight. Its gravimetric power density of 1256 W/kg supports high discharge rates, making it ideal for applications that require quick bursts of power. Additionally, the maximum continuous discharge of 26 A ensures that the cell can meet the rigorous demands of UAV operations, particularly in scenarios where rapid charging and discharging are necessary. This cell is a perfect fit for custom UAV battery packs, providing both performance and safety.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a crucial role in optimising battery performance for drones. By simulating load profiles, thermal behaviour, and voltage response, engineers can predict how the Molicel M65A will perform under various conditions. This allows for accurate assessments of battery thermal management, ensuring that the cell does not overheat during fast charging. Additionally, modelling usable energy and internal temperature rise helps in selecting the right cell for specific mission profiles, enhancing overall UAV efficiency. The ability to simulate real-world scenarios reduces the risk of failure and improves confidence in battery performance, making it an invaluable tool in UAV battery optimisation.
