Molicel P28B Drones Fast charge of the batteries - how to charge the battery quickly without overheating the cells or causing lithium plating which could degrade the battery or cause it to catch fire.
Explore the Molicel P28B for drones, designed for fast charging without overheating. Ideal for UAV battery optimisation and performance.
Value Propositions
Cylindrical 18650 form factor for compact design.
Nominal capacity of 10.08 Wh and 2.8 Ah for reliable performance.
Top-quartile volumetric power density of 8,126 W/l for rapid energy delivery.
Gravimetric energy density of 210 Wh/kg, ensuring lightweight battery packs.
Maximum continuous discharge of 40 A for high-performance applications.
About the Cell
The Molicel P28B 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 569 Wh/l, which is significantly above the database median of 542 Wh/l, making it suitable for high energy density drone batteries. Its gravimetric energy density of 210 Wh/kg is around the median, providing a balance between weight and energy storage. The cell's volumetric power density of 8,126 W/l places it in the top-quartile compared to the median of 2,029 W/l, allowing for brisk current draws essential for UAV applications. Additionally, the maximum continuous discharge rate of 40 A enables high discharge rate UAV batteries, making it ideal for demanding drone operations.
Application Challenges
In the context of drones, fast charging presents unique challenges. The need to charge batteries quickly without overheating is critical, as excessive heat can lead to lithium plating, which degrades battery performance and safety. The Molicel P28B's design addresses these challenges with its high maximum continuous discharge rate of 40 A, allowing for efficient energy transfer during rapid charging. This capability is vital for applications requiring long endurance drone batteries, where quick turnaround times are essential. Furthermore, effective battery thermal management is crucial to prevent overheating, ensuring safe operation in various environments.
Why this Cell
The Molicel P28B is particularly suited for drone applications due to its impressive specifications. With a maximum continuous discharge rate of 40 A, it supports high discharge rate UAV batteries, essential for maintaining performance during demanding flight conditions. Its volumetric power density of 8,126 W/l is among the highest in the database, allowing for rapid energy delivery without compromising safety. This cell's gravimetric energy density of 210 Wh/kg ensures lightweight drone battery packs, enhancing flight efficiency and extending mission endurance. These attributes make the P28B an excellent choice for custom UAV battery packs designed for fast charging.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a crucial role in optimising battery performance for drones. By simulating load profiles and thermal behaviour, engineers can predict how the Molicel P28B will perform under various conditions. This includes modelling heat generation during rapid charging and assessing voltage sag during high discharge scenarios. Such simulations enable the selection of the most suitable cells for specific applications, ensuring that the chosen battery can handle the required energy demands without overheating. This predictive capability is vital for ensuring reliability in mission-critical operations, allowing operators to make informed decisions about battery readiness and performance.
