Molicel M65A Drones Safety and risk management - particularly around overheating and thermal runaway during flight.
Discover the Molicel M65A cell for drones, optimised for safety and performance in thermal management during flight. Ideal for UAV applications.
Value Propositions
Cylindrical 21700 form factor for efficient integration.
Nominal capacity of 23.4 Wh and 6.5 Ah for extended flight times.
Volumetric energy density of 914 Wh/l, top-quartile vs median.
Gravimetric power density of 1256 W/kg, +68% vs database median.
Maximum continuous discharge of 26 A, top-quartile vs median.

About the Cell
The Molicel M65A is a cylindrical 21700 cell designed for drone applications, featuring a nominal capacity of 23.4 Wh and 6.5 Ah. With a volumetric energy density of 914 Wh/l, it ranks among the highest in the database, providing significant energy storage in a compact form. Its gravimetric energy density of 314 Wh/kg is also impressive, ensuring lightweight solutions for UAVs. The cell's volumetric power density of 3655 W/l and gravimetric power density of 1256 W/kg place it in the top-quartile compared to the median values in the market, making it an excellent choice for high-performance drone applications. The M65A is engineered to meet the demanding requirements of drone battery design, ensuring optimal performance and safety during operation.
Application Challenges
In the realm of drones, safety and risk management are paramount, particularly concerning overheating and thermal runaway during flight. The Molicel M65A cell addresses these challenges by providing high energy density and robust thermal management capabilities. In UAV applications, the ability to maintain performance under varying conditions is critical. The M65A's specifications ensure that it can handle the rigours of flight, reducing the risk of thermal issues that can lead to catastrophic failures. With the increasing complexity of drone missions, including long endurance flights and heavy payloads, the need for reliable battery solutions is more important than ever. The M65A's design helps to mitigate risks associated with battery overheating, ensuring safe operation in demanding environments.
Why this Cell
The Molicel M65A cell is specifically designed for drone applications, with a nominal capacity of 23.4 Wh and a maximum continuous discharge of 26 A, which is in the top-quartile compared to the median of 30 A. This capability allows for high discharge rates, essential for UAVs requiring quick bursts of power during flight. The cell's volumetric energy density of 914 Wh/l is among the highest in the database, providing significant energy storage without adding excessive weight. This is crucial for improving UAV mission endurance and extending flight times. Additionally, the gravimetric power density of 1256 W/kg, which is +68% vs the median, ensures that the M65A can deliver power efficiently, making it an ideal choice for high energy density drone batteries.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a critical role in optimising the performance of the Molicel M65A cell for drone applications. By simulating load profiles and thermal behaviour, engineers can predict how the cell will perform under various conditions, including different temperatures and states of charge (SoC). This predictive capability allows for accurate assessments of battery performance, ensuring that the M65A can deliver the required thrust and energy throughout the entire flight envelope. Furthermore, modelling helps in identifying potential overheating issues before they occur, enabling the selection of cells that can withstand the rigours of drone operation. This approach not only enhances safety but also improves overall mission reliability, making it a vital tool in the design of UAV battery packs.


