Molicel P26A Weight v power trade off in pack design - how to pick the right balance.
Explore the Molicel P26A cell for UAV applications, balancing weight and power for optimal drone performance. Discover its advantages today.
Value Propositions
Cylindrical 18650 form factor for versatile applications.
Nominal capacity of 9.0 Wh and 2.5 Ah for reliable energy supply.
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 designs.
About the Cell
The Molicel P26A is a cylindrical 18650 lithium-ion cell designed for high-performance applications in the aerospace sector. With a nominal capacity of 9.0 Wh and 2.5 Ah, it provides a reliable energy source for various UAV applications. Its volumetric energy density of 508 Wh/l is competitive, ensuring that it meets the demands of modern drone technology. The cell boasts a maximum continuous discharge rate of 35.0 A, placing it in the top-quartile compared to the median of 30 A in the database. Additionally, its gravimetric energy density of 187.5 Wh/kg supports lightweight drone designs, making it an ideal choice for applications where weight is critical. The P26A also features a volumetric power density of 7111 W/l, which is among the highest in the database, allowing for brisk current draws during operation. This combination of features makes the Molicel P26A a strong candidate for UAV battery pack design.
Application Challenges
In the aerospace sector, the challenge of balancing weight and power in UAV battery pack design is paramount. The Molicel P26A addresses this by providing a high energy density that allows for longer flight times without compromising on performance. The ability to achieve a maximum continuous discharge of 35.0 A ensures that the cell can handle the power demands of various UAV applications, from heavy-lift drones to long endurance missions. As UAVs are often required to operate in extreme environments, the thermal management of the battery is also a critical consideration. The P26A's design helps mitigate overheating risks, ensuring safe operation during demanding missions. Furthermore, accurate state of charge (SoC) prediction is essential for mission planning, and the P26A's performance characteristics support reliable predictions, enhancing operational efficiency.
Why this Cell
The Molicel P26A is particularly suited for UAV applications due to its impressive specifications. With a maximum continuous discharge rate of 35.0 A, it is positioned in the top-quartile compared to the database median of 30 A, making it ideal for high discharge rate UAV batteries. Its volumetric energy density of 508 Wh/l is competitive, allowing for lightweight drone battery packs that do not sacrifice performance. This is crucial in applications where every gram counts, such as in long endurance drone batteries. The cell's gravimetric energy density of 187.5 Wh/kg ensures that it can deliver the necessary power without adding excessive weight, addressing the core challenge of weight versus power trade-off in UAV design. Additionally, the high volumetric power density of 7111 W/l supports rapid energy delivery, which is essential for maintaining drone powertrain efficiency during flight.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a critical role in optimising the performance of the Molicel P26A in UAV applications. By modelling load profiles and thermal behaviour, engineers can predict how the cell will perform under various conditions, including high discharge rates and temperature fluctuations. This allows for accurate assessments of usable energy and voltage sag, which are vital for mission planning. For instance, simulating the thermal rise during continuous discharge helps in selecting the right cell for heavy-lift missions, ensuring that the battery operates within safe limits and avoids thermal runaway. Furthermore, using cell-specific data in simulations enables engineers to make informed decisions about battery pack design, ultimately leading to enhanced UAV mission endurance and reliability. This predictive capability is essential for applications where failure is not an option, such as in defence or emergency response scenarios.
