Molicel P28A Drones Safety and risk management - particularly around overheating and thermal runaway during flight.
Explore the Molicel P28A cell for drones, designed for safety and efficiency in thermal management and risk reduction during flight.
Value Propositions
Cylindrical 18650 form factor for compact designs.
Nominal capacity of 10.08 Wh and 2.8 Ah for reliable performance.
Top-quartile power density (+58% vs median 750 W/kg) for high current demands.
Maximum continuous discharge of 35.0 A for demanding applications.
Volumetric energy density of 589 Wh/l, ideal for lightweight drone battery packs.
About the Cell
The Molicel P28A is a cylindrical 18650 lithium-ion cell with a nominal capacity of 10.08 Wh (2.8 Ah). It features a volumetric energy density of 589 Wh/l, which is significantly higher than the database median of 541.67 Wh/l, making it an excellent choice for high energy density drone batteries. The cell also boasts a gravimetric energy density of 210 Wh/kg, aligning closely with the median of 210 Wh/kg. Its volumetric power density is 7364 W/l, placing it among the highest in the database, exceeding the median of 2029 W/l by +264%. With a maximum continuous discharge of 35.0 A, this cell is well-suited for applications requiring high discharge rates, outperforming the median of 30 A. Additionally, the standard charge current of 2.8 A and maximum continuous charge of 8.4 A ensure efficient charging capabilities.
Application Challenges
In the context of drones, safety and risk management are paramount, particularly concerning overheating and thermal runaway during flight. The Molicel P28A cell's high energy density and robust discharge capabilities are crucial for maintaining performance while mitigating risks. Drones operating in extreme environments or under heavy loads require batteries that can withstand high temperatures without compromising safety. The ability to manage thermal conditions effectively is essential for extending drone flight time and ensuring mission success. As drones become more integral to various industries, the need for reliable battery solutions that address these challenges is increasingly critical.
Why this Cell
The Molicel P28A cell is specifically designed to meet the demands of drone applications, particularly in safety and risk management. Its maximum continuous discharge of 35.0 A allows for high power delivery, essential for maintaining thrust during critical flight phases. This performance is complemented by a volumetric energy density of 589 Wh/l, which is significantly above the median, enabling longer flight times without increasing weight. The cell's thermal management capabilities are enhanced by its design, which supports efficient heat dissipation, reducing the risk of thermal runaway. This makes the P28A an ideal choice for UAV battery pack design, ensuring both performance and safety.
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 various load profiles and thermal conditions, engineers can predict the cell's performance under realistic scenarios. This includes modelling heat generation and voltage response during flight, which helps in understanding how the cell behaves under different operational stresses. Such simulations allow for accurate predictions of usable energy and battery life, enabling designers to make informed decisions about cell selection. This approach not only enhances the reliability of drone operations but also reduces the need for costly trial-and-error testing, ultimately leading to safer and more efficient UAV designs.
