Molicel P28B Weight v power trade off in pack design - how to pick the right balance.
Explore Molicel P28B for UAV battery pack design, addressing weight vs power trade-offs for optimal drone performance and endurance.
Value Propositions
Cylindrical 18650 form factor for versatile applications.
Nominal capacity of 10.08 Wh, ideal for UAV battery optimisation.
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 high performance.
About the Cell
The Molicel P28B is a cylindrical 18650 lithium-ion cell designed for high-performance applications, particularly in UAVs. With a nominal capacity of 10.08 Wh and 2.8 Ah, it offers a robust solution for drone battery design. The cell boasts a volumetric energy density of 569 Wh/l, placing it in the top-quartile compared to the database median of 542 Wh/l. Additionally, its gravimetric energy density of 210 Wh/kg aligns with the median, ensuring a lightweight solution for drone applications. The volumetric power density of 8126 W/l is among the highest in the database, making it suitable for high energy density drone batteries. The maximum continuous discharge rate of 40 A allows for efficient UAV battery pack design, ensuring that the P28B meets the demanding requirements of modern drone technology.
Application Challenges
In the context of EVTOL and the weight vs power trade-off in pack design, the Molicel P28B addresses critical challenges faced by UAV manufacturers. The need for lightweight drone battery packs is paramount, as excess weight can significantly impact flight time and overall performance. The P28B's high energy density ensures that UAVs can achieve longer endurance without compromising on payload capacity. Furthermore, the challenge of balancing power output with weight is crucial, as drones require reliable performance during various mission profiles. The P28B's specifications enable engineers to design battery packs that optimise both weight and power, ensuring that UAVs can operate efficiently in diverse environments.
Why this Cell
The Molicel P28B is specifically engineered for applications requiring a careful balance of weight and power. With a maximum continuous discharge rate of 40 A, it supports high discharge rate UAV batteries, making it ideal for demanding flight scenarios. The cell's volumetric energy density of 569 Wh/l is top-quartile compared to the database median, allowing for extended flight times while maintaining a lightweight design. This is particularly important in UAV battery optimisation, where every gram counts. The P28B's gravimetric power density of 3000 W/kg further enhances its appeal, ensuring that it can deliver the necessary power without adding excessive weight. This combination of features makes the P28B a prime candidate for custom UAV battery packs, addressing the critical need for performance and efficiency in drone 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, engineers can accurately predict how the cell will perform under various conditions, including thermal behaviour and voltage sag. This allows for informed decisions when selecting cells for UAVs, ensuring that the chosen battery can meet the specific demands of each mission. For instance, simulating the thermal rise during high discharge scenarios helps identify the optimal operating conditions, preventing overheating and extending battery life. Furthermore, modelling usable energy enables designers to maximise the efficiency of the battery pack, ensuring that drones can achieve their mission profiles without unexpected failures. This approach not only enhances UAV battery performance testing but also streamlines the design process, reducing the need for costly trial-and-error methods.
