Molicel P26A Drones Safety and risk management - particularly around overheating and thermal runaway during flight.
Discover the Molicel P26A cell for drones, designed for safety and performance, addressing overheating and thermal runaway challenges in flight.
Value Propositions
Cylindrical 18650 form factor for compact design.
Nominal capacity of 9.0 Wh and 2.5 Ah for reliable energy.
Top-quartile volumetric power density of 7111 W/l for high performance.
Maximum continuous discharge of 35.0 A for demanding applications.
Gravimetric energy density of 187.5 Wh/kg for lightweight solutions.
About the Cell
The Molicel P26A is a cylindrical 18650 lithium-ion cell with a nominal capacity of 9.0 Wh and 2.5 Ah. It boasts a volumetric energy density of 508 Wh/l, which is around the median for high-performance cells. Its gravimetric energy density of 188 Wh/kg is also competitive, allowing for lightweight drone battery packs. The cell's volumetric power density is an impressive 7111 W/l, placing it in the top-quartile compared to the database median of 2029 W/l. Additionally, the maximum continuous discharge current of 35.0 A, which is significantly above the median of 30 A, ensures that the cell can handle high current demands during flight. This combination of features makes the P26A an excellent choice for drone applications where weight and performance are critical.
Application Challenges
In the context of drones, safety and risk management are paramount, especially concerning overheating and thermal runaway during flight. Drones operate in various environments, often requiring long endurance and high performance. The Molicel P26A cell's high energy density is crucial for extending flight times, while its robust discharge capabilities help prevent overheating under load. The ability to manage thermal performance is vital, as overheating can lead to catastrophic failures. Therefore, selecting the right battery cell is essential for ensuring reliability and safety in UAV operations, particularly in demanding conditions.
Why this Cell
The Molicel P26A cell is specifically designed to meet the challenges of drone applications. With a maximum continuous discharge of 35.0 A, it is well-suited for high discharge rate UAV batteries, ensuring that drones can perform demanding tasks without overheating. Its volumetric energy density of 508 Wh/l is competitive, allowing for lightweight drone battery packs that do not compromise on performance. This cell's high power density of 7111 W/l ensures that it can deliver the necessary power for rapid acceleration and sustained flight, making it an ideal choice for UAV battery pack design. Compared to the median values in the database, the P26A stands out as a top-quartile performer, providing confidence in its ability to meet the rigorous demands of drone operations.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a crucial role in optimising battery selection for drones. By simulating load profiles, thermal behaviour, and voltage response, engineers can accurately predict how the Molicel P26A will perform under various conditions. This modelling allows for the assessment of heat generation and energy output, ensuring that the selected cell can handle the specific demands of the mission profile. For instance, understanding the thermal rise during high discharge scenarios helps in selecting cells that minimise the risk of thermal runaway. Additionally, simulations can aid in predicting the state of charge (SoC) and ensuring reliable performance across different temperatures, which is critical for mission success. Overall, this approach reduces the reliance on trial-and-error testing, leading to more efficient and safer UAV battery designs.
