Molicel P30B Fast charge of the batteries - how to charge the battery quickly without overheating the cells or causing lithium plating which could degrade the battery or cause it to catch fire.
Discover the Molicel P30B, designed for fast charging in EVTOL applications, ensuring safety and efficiency without overheating or lithium plating.
Value Propositions
Cylindrical 18650 form factor for versatile applications.
Nominal capacity of 10.8 Wh and 3.0 Ah for reliable performance.
Top-quartile volumetric energy density of 609 Wh/l for compact designs.
Maximum continuous discharge of 30 A for high-demand applications.
Lightweight at 47 g, ideal for UAV battery pack design.
About the Cell
The Molicel P30B is a cylindrical 18650 lithium-ion cell with a nominal capacity of 10.8 Wh (3.0 Ah). It boasts a volumetric energy density of 609 Wh/l, placing it in the top-quartile compared to the median of 541.67 Wh/l in the database, which is a significant advantage for applications requiring compact battery solutions. The gravimetric energy density stands at 229.79 Wh/kg, which is around the median, ensuring a balance between weight and energy storage. With a maximum continuous discharge rate of 30 A, this cell is designed to handle high power demands, making it suitable for fast charging applications in EVTOL systems. Additionally, its volumetric power density of 6094.81 W/l is among the highest in the database, facilitating rapid energy delivery without overheating. The cell's lightweight design at 47 g enhances its suitability for UAV applications, where weight is a critical factor.
Application Challenges
In EVTOL applications, fast charging of batteries is crucial to ensure operational efficiency and safety. The challenge lies in charging the Molicel P30B quickly without overheating the cells or causing lithium plating, which can degrade battery performance and pose safety risks. The standard charge current of 3.0 A and maximum continuous charge of 9.0 A are designed to optimise charging speed while maintaining thermal stability. Effective battery thermal management is essential to prevent overheating, especially during rapid charge cycles. The high energy density of the P30B allows for longer flight times, but it is imperative to manage the charge rates to avoid compromising the battery's integrity. The ability to accurately predict the state of charge (SOC) is also vital to ensure that the UAV can complete its missions without unexpected failures due to battery depletion.
Why this Cell
The Molicel P30B is an ideal choice for fast charging in EVTOL applications due to its impressive specifications. With a maximum continuous discharge rate of 30 A, it is positioned in the top-quartile compared to the median of 30 A in the database, ensuring it can handle high power demands without overheating. The volumetric energy density of 609 Wh/l, which is significantly above the median, allows for compact battery designs that do not sacrifice performance. This cell's lightweight nature at 47 g makes it perfect for UAV applications where every gram counts. The combination of high energy density and robust discharge capabilities makes the P30B a reliable choice for drone battery cell selection, ensuring that UAVs can achieve longer flight times while maintaining safety and efficiency during fast charging cycles.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a critical role in optimising the performance of the Molicel P30B in EVTOL applications. By modelling load profiles, thermal rise, and voltage sag, engineers can predict how the cell will behave under various charging conditions. This allows for the identification of optimal charge rates that prevent overheating and lithium plating, ensuring the longevity and safety of the battery. For instance, simulating the thermal behaviour of the P30B under maximum continuous charge conditions can help determine the best thermal management strategies to implement. Additionally, using cell-specific data to model energy delivery during flight can aid in accurately predicting the usable energy and state of charge (SOC), which is essential for mission planning and execution. 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 battery design and deployment.
