Molicel P28B Safety and risk management - particularly around overheating and thermal runaway during flight.
Discover the Molicel P28B, a high-performance cell designed for UAV applications, ensuring safety and efficiency in thermal management.
Value Propositions
Cylindrical 18650 form factor for versatile applications.
Nominal capacity of 10.08 Wh (2.8 Ah) for extended flight times.
Top-quartile volumetric power density of 8126 W/l for high performance.
Gravimetric energy density of 210 Wh/kg, ideal for lightweight designs.
Maximum continuous discharge of 40 A for demanding UAV applications.

About the Cell
The Molicel P28B is a cylindrical 18650 cell with a nominal capacity of 10.08 Wh and 2.8 Ah, making it suitable for various UAV applications. With a volumetric energy density of 569 Wh/l, it ranks among the highest in the database, providing significant energy storage in a compact form. The gravimetric energy density of 210 Wh/kg positions it well within the market, ensuring lightweight battery packs for drones. Additionally, the cell boasts a volumetric power density of 8126 W/l, which is top-quartile compared to the median of 2029 W/l, enabling high performance during demanding flight operations. The maximum continuous discharge rate of 40 A allows for robust performance in high-drain applications, ensuring reliability and efficiency in critical situations.
Application Challenges
In the context of EVTOL and safety and risk management, particularly around overheating and thermal runaway during flight, the Molicel P28B addresses several key challenges. Drones operating in various environments must manage thermal conditions effectively to prevent overheating, which can lead to battery failure or safety incidents. The high energy density of the P28B ensures that UAVs can achieve longer flight times, crucial for missions requiring extended endurance. Furthermore, the ability to handle high discharge rates is vital for maintaining performance during rapid manoeuvres or heavy payloads, where thermal management becomes critical. The design of battery packs must consider these factors to ensure safe and reliable operation in all conditions.
Why this Cell
The Molicel P28B is an excellent choice for UAV applications due to its impressive specifications. With a nominal capacity of 10.08 Wh and a maximum continuous discharge of 40 A, it provides the necessary power for demanding flight profiles. The volumetric energy density of 569 Wh/l is among the highest in the database, allowing for compact battery designs that do not compromise on performance. This is particularly important in EVTOL applications where weight and space are at a premium. The cell's gravimetric energy density of 210 Wh/kg ensures that UAVs can maximise their payload while maintaining flight efficiency. These features make the P28B an ideal candidate for custom UAV battery packs, ensuring safety and performance in critical applications.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a crucial role in optimising the performance of the Molicel P28B in UAV applications. By modelling load profiles and thermal behaviour, engineers can predict how the cell will perform under various conditions, including high discharge rates and temperature fluctuations. This predictive capability allows for the selection of the most suitable cells for specific missions, ensuring that thermal management strategies are effective in preventing overheating and thermal runaway. For instance, simulations can help identify the optimal charge and discharge rates, ensuring that the battery operates within safe limits while delivering the required power. This approach not only enhances the reliability of UAV operations but also reduces the need for costly trial-and-error testing, leading to more efficient design processes.


