Molicel P28B Drones Weight v power trade off in pack design - how to pick the right balance.
Explore the Molicel P28B cell for drones, optimising weight and power for enhanced performance and efficiency 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 569 Wh/l for lightweight packs.
Gravimetric power density of 3,000 W/kg, ideal for high discharge applications.
Maximum continuous discharge of 40 A supports demanding UAV operations.
About the Cell
The Molicel P28B is a cylindrical 18650 lithium-ion cell, featuring a nominal capacity of 10.08 Wh (2.8 Ah). It boasts a volumetric energy density of 569 Wh/l, placing it in the top-quartile compared to the database median of 542 Wh/l. The gravimetric energy density is 210 Wh/kg, which is around the median of 210 Wh/kg in the database. With a volumetric power density of 8,126 W/l, it is among the highest in the database, exceeding the median of 2,029 W/l by a significant margin. The cell is designed for high performance, with a maximum continuous discharge rate of 40 A, which is top-quartile compared to the median of 30 A.
Application Challenges
In the context of drones, the challenge of balancing weight and power is critical. The Molicel P28B cell addresses the need for lightweight drone battery packs that do not compromise on performance. The ability to deliver high energy density while maintaining a manageable weight is essential for extending flight times and enhancing UAV mission endurance. This is particularly important in applications such as long endurance drone batteries and heavy lift drone batteries, where every gram counts towards payload capacity and operational efficiency.
Why this Cell
The Molicel P28B cell is an excellent choice for drone applications due to its impressive specifications. With a maximum continuous discharge of 40 A, it supports high energy demands during flight, making it ideal for UAV battery optimization. The cell's volumetric energy density of 569 Wh/l is top-quartile compared to the database median, ensuring that drone designs can achieve longer flight times without adding excessive weight. This balance of weight and power is crucial for applications such as VTOL drone battery pack design and custom UAV battery packs.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a vital role in selecting the right battery cell for drone applications. By simulating load profiles, thermal behaviour, and voltage response, engineers can accurately predict how the Molicel P28B will perform under various conditions. This approach allows for the identification of the optimal cell for specific mission profiles, ensuring that the drone can operate efficiently without overheating or experiencing power loss. For instance, modelling can help determine the best discharge rates and energy outputs, which is essential for applications requiring high discharge rate UAV batteries and safe battery packs for UAVs.
