Molicel P30B Drones Weight v power trade off in pack design - how to pick the right balance.
Explore the Molicel P30B cell for drones, optimising weight and power for enhanced performance in UAV applications. Discover its unique advantages.
Value Propositions
Cylindrical 18650 form factor for versatile applications.
Nominal capacity of 10.8 Wh (3.0 Ah) for reliable energy supply.
Top-quartile volumetric power density of 6094 W/l for high current demands.
Gravimetric energy density of 230 Wh/kg, supporting lightweight designs.
Maximum continuous discharge of 30 A, ideal for demanding UAV operations.
About the Cell
The Molicel P30B is a cylindrical 18650 lithium-ion cell designed for high-performance applications, particularly in drone technology. With a nominal capacity of 10.8 Wh and 3.0 Ah, it provides a reliable energy source for various UAV operations. Its volumetric energy density of 609 Wh/l places it in the top-quartile compared to the median of 542 Wh/l in the database, making it suitable for applications requiring compact power solutions. Additionally, the gravimetric energy density of 230 Wh/kg is around the median, ensuring a balance between weight and energy supply. The cell's impressive volumetric power density of 6094 W/l is among the highest in the database, allowing for rapid current draws essential for drone performance. Furthermore, the maximum continuous discharge rate of 30 A supports demanding applications, ensuring that the cell can deliver the necessary power without overheating or compromising safety.
Application Challenges
In the realm of drones, the challenge of balancing weight and power is critical. The Molicel P30B cell addresses this by providing a high energy density while maintaining a lightweight profile. This balance is essential for UAVs, where every gram counts towards flight efficiency and endurance. The ability to optimise battery weight directly impacts flight time, payload capacity, and overall mission success. As UAV technology advances, the need for lightweight drone battery packs that do not compromise on power output becomes increasingly important. The P30B's specifications allow for effective UAV battery optimisation, ensuring that operators can achieve longer flight times without the risk of overheating or reduced performance.
Why this Cell
The Molicel P30B cell is an excellent choice for drone applications due to its high energy and power densities. With a volumetric energy density of 609 Wh/l, it is positioned in the top-quartile compared to the median of 542 Wh/l, making it ideal for applications where space is at a premium. The maximum continuous discharge rate of 30 A ensures that the cell can handle high power demands, which is crucial for applications such as heavy lift drones and VTOL designs. This capability allows for extended flight times and improved UAV mission endurance, addressing common pain points such as battery overheating and performance degradation under load. The combination of these features makes the P30B a strong candidate for custom UAV battery packs, providing the necessary performance without compromising safety or efficiency.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a pivotal role in optimising the performance of the Molicel P30B cell in UAV applications. By simulating load profiles, engineers can accurately predict how the cell will behave under various conditions, including thermal rise and voltage sag. This predictive capability allows for the selection of the most suitable battery cells for specific missions, ensuring that the drone can deliver the required thrust and energy throughout its flight envelope. For instance, modelling can help identify the optimal discharge rates and thermal management strategies, preventing overheating and ensuring safe operation. Furthermore, simulation enables real-time decision-making regarding battery state of charge (SoC), which is critical for mission planning and execution. By leveraging these advanced modelling techniques, UAV operators can enhance their battery performance testing and improve overall drone powertrain efficiency.
