Molicel P28A Drone Battery: Weight v Power Trade Off in Pack Design - How to Pick the Right Balance
Explore the Molicel P28A drone battery, optimised for weight vs power trade off in pack design, ensuring high performance and reliability.
Value Propositions
Cylindrical 18650 form factor for versatile applications.
Nominal capacity of 10.08 Wh and 2.8 Ah for extended use.
Volumetric energy density of 589 Wh/l, top-quartile vs median.
Gravimetric power density of 2,625 W/kg, among the highest in database.
Maximum continuous discharge of 35 A, ensuring robust performance.
About the Cell
The Molicel P28A is a cylindrical 18650 lithium-ion cell designed for high-performance applications, particularly in drone technology. With a nominal capacity of 10.08 Wh and 2.8 Ah, it provides a reliable energy source for various UAV applications. Its volumetric energy density of 589 Wh/l places it in the top-quartile compared to the median of 541.67 Wh/l in the database, making it an excellent choice for weight-sensitive designs. Additionally, the gravimetric energy density of 210 Wh/kg aligns closely with the median, ensuring a balanced performance for drone battery design. The cell's volumetric power density of 7,364 W/l is among the highest in the database, facilitating quick energy delivery when needed. Furthermore, the maximum continuous discharge rate of 35 A allows for high current draws, essential for demanding UAV operations.
Application Challenges
In the aerospace sector, the challenge of balancing weight and power in UAV battery pack design is critical. The Molicel P28A addresses this by providing high energy density while maintaining a lightweight profile. This balance is essential for applications requiring long endurance, such as surveillance and inspection missions. The ability to optimise battery weight against power output directly impacts flight time and operational efficiency. As drones are increasingly used in extreme environments, ensuring reliable performance under varying conditions is paramount. The P28A's robust specifications help mitigate risks associated with battery overheating and ensure safe operation across diverse mission profiles.
Why this Cell
The Molicel P28A is particularly suited for applications where weight versus power trade-off is crucial. With a maximum continuous charge rate of 8.4 A, it supports rapid charging, which is vital for operational readiness in UAV applications. The cell's gravimetric power density of 2,625 W/kg is among the highest in the database, providing the necessary power for demanding tasks without compromising on weight. This makes it an ideal choice for custom UAV battery packs where performance and efficiency are paramount. Moreover, its volumetric energy density of 589 Wh/l ensures that operators can extend drone flight times significantly, addressing the pain point of improving UAV mission endurance.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a crucial role in optimising the performance of the Molicel P28A in UAV applications. By modelling load profiles, engineers can predict how the cell will perform under various conditions, including thermal behaviour and voltage sag. This predictive capability allows for the selection of the most suitable cells for specific missions, ensuring that the drone can deliver the required thrust and energy throughout its flight envelope. For instance, simulating different charging and discharging scenarios helps in understanding the thermal rise and usable energy, which is critical for preventing overheating and ensuring safe operation. This approach not only enhances the reliability of drone missions but also reduces the need for costly trial-and-error testing, ultimately leading to more efficient UAV battery pack designs.
