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Molicel P28B Drones Safety and risk management - particularly around overheating and thermal runaway during flight.

Explore the Molicel P28B cell for drones, designed for safety and risk management, ensuring reliable performance and thermal stability during flight.

Value Propositions

  • Cylindrical 18650 form factor for versatile applications.

  • Nominal capacity of 10.08 Wh and 2.8 Ah for efficient energy storage.

  • Volumetric energy density of 569 Wh/l, top-quartile vs median.

  • Gravimetric power density of 3000 W/kg, among the highest in database.

  • Maximum continuous discharge of 40 A, ensuring robust performance.

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About the Cell

The Molicel P28B is a cylindrical 18650 cell with a nominal capacity of 10.08 Wh (2.8 Ah), making it suitable for various drone applications. It boasts a volumetric energy density of 569 Wh/l, which is in the top-quartile compared to the database median of 542 Wh/l. Additionally, its gravimetric energy density stands at 210 Wh/kg, aligning closely with the median of 210 Wh/kg. The cell's volumetric power density is an impressive 8126 W/l, which is among the highest in the database, providing excellent performance for high-drain applications. With a maximum continuous discharge of 40 A, the P28B ensures that drones can operate efficiently under demanding conditions, making it a reliable choice for UAV battery pack design.

Application Challenges

In the context of drones, safety and risk management are paramount, particularly concerning overheating and thermal runaway during flight. Drones often operate in challenging environments where temperature fluctuations can significantly impact battery performance. The Molicel P28B's high energy density and robust discharge capabilities are critical in preventing overheating and ensuring safe operation. The ability to maintain performance under high loads is essential for extending drone flight time and improving mission endurance. As drones are increasingly used for critical applications, such as surveillance and emergency response, the reliability of the battery system becomes a key factor in mission success.

Why this Cell

The Molicel P28B cell is specifically designed to meet the rigorous demands of drone applications. Its nominal capacity of 10.08 Wh and maximum continuous discharge of 40 A make it ideal for high-performance UAVs. The cell's volumetric energy density of 569 Wh/l places it in the top-quartile compared to the median, ensuring that drones can carry more payload without compromising on flight time. Additionally, the gravimetric power density of 3000 W/kg is among the highest in the database, allowing for quick bursts of power when needed. This combination of features makes the P28B an excellent choice for drone battery design, particularly in scenarios where safety and thermal management are critical.

How Model-Based Design Helps

Simulation and model-based design play a crucial role in optimising the performance of the Molicel P28B in drone applications. By simulating various load profiles and thermal conditions, engineers can accurately predict the cell's behaviour under different scenarios. This includes modelling heat generation, voltage response, and usable energy across the entire flight envelope. For instance, simulations can help identify the optimal discharge rates to prevent thermal runaway while maximising flight time. By using cell-specific data, designers can ensure that the selected battery configuration meets the specific requirements of the mission, enhancing reliability and performance. This approach minimises the risks associated with trial-and-error testing, leading to more efficient and effective UAV battery pack design.

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