Molicel P28A Drone Application Weight v Power Trade Off in Pack Design - How to Pick the Right Balance
Explore the Molicel P28A cell for drones, optimising weight and power for enhanced performance and endurance in UAV applications.
Value Propositions
Cylindrical 18650 form factor for compact design.
Nominal capacity of 10.08 Wh and 2.8 Ah for reliable energy supply.
Top-quartile volumetric energy density of 589 Wh/l for efficient space usage.
Maximum continuous discharge of 35 A, ideal for high-demand applications.
Gravimetric power density of 2625 W/kg, supporting rapid energy delivery.
About the Cell
The Molicel P28A is a cylindrical 18650 lithium-ion cell designed for drone applications, featuring a nominal capacity of 10.08 Wh (2.8 Ah). With a volumetric energy density of 589 Wh/l, it ranks in the top-quartile compared to the database median of 541.67 Wh/l, making it a strong candidate for lightweight drone battery packs. The cell also boasts a maximum continuous discharge of 35 A, which is significantly higher than the median of 30 A, ensuring it can handle demanding power requirements during flight. Additionally, its gravimetric energy density of 210 Wh/kg aligns closely with the median, providing a balanced performance for various UAV designs. This cell is ideal for applications where weight and power efficiency are critical, such as in long endurance drone batteries and custom UAV battery packs. Its design allows for effective thermal management, which is essential in preventing overheating during high discharge scenarios. Overall, the Molicel P28A is engineered to meet the rigorous demands of modern drone technology, ensuring reliability and performance in the field.
Application Challenges
In the realm of drone applications, particularly when addressing the weight versus power trade-off in pack design, the Molicel P28A cell stands out. Drones require a careful balance between battery weight and the power output to ensure optimal flight performance and endurance. The challenge lies in selecting a battery that not only meets the energy demands of the UAV but also maintains a lightweight profile to enhance flight time. The Molicel P28A, with its high energy density and robust discharge capabilities, addresses these challenges effectively. For instance, the ability to deliver a maximum continuous discharge of 35 A allows for high-performance applications, such as heavy lift drone operations and long endurance missions. Furthermore, the volumetric energy density of 589 Wh/l ensures that the battery can be compactly integrated into various drone designs without compromising on power. This is crucial for applications like VTOL drone battery pack design, where space is at a premium. The Molicel P28A is thus positioned to support the evolving needs of UAV technology, providing a reliable solution for extending drone flight times and improving mission endurance.
Why this Cell
The Molicel P28A cell is particularly suited for drone applications due to its impressive specifications that align with the demands of UAV design. With a nominal capacity of 10.08 Wh and a maximum continuous discharge of 35 A, it offers a significant advantage in high-energy applications. This performance is complemented by its top-quartile volumetric energy density of 589 Wh/l, which is +8.7% vs the database median of 541.67 Wh/l. Such characteristics make it an excellent choice for drone battery design, where both weight and power output are critical. Additionally, the cell's gravimetric power density of 2625 W/kg positions it among the highest in the database, ensuring that it can deliver energy rapidly when needed. This capability is essential for applications requiring quick bursts of power, such as during take-off or rapid manoeuvres. The Molicel P28A not only meets the technical requirements but also enhances the overall efficiency of UAV battery pack design, making it a preferred choice for engineers and designers focused on optimising drone performance.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a crucial role in optimising the selection of the Molicel P28A cell for drone applications. By simulating load profiles and thermal behaviour, engineers can accurately predict how the cell will perform under various conditions, such as high discharge rates and fluctuating temperatures. This predictive capability allows for informed decisions regarding battery thermal management, ensuring that the cell operates within safe limits and prevents overheating. Furthermore, modelling voltage sag and usable energy helps in understanding the cell's performance across the entire flight envelope, which is vital for accurate drone battery SOC prediction. For instance, by simulating different mission profiles, designers can identify the optimal balance between weight and power, ensuring that the Molicel P28A cell meets the specific energy demands of the UAV. This approach not only enhances the reliability of the battery selection process but also reduces the risks associated with trial-and-error testing, ultimately leading to more efficient and effective drone battery solutions.
