Molicel P30B Safety and risk management - particularly around overheating and thermal runaway during flight.
Explore Molicel P30B for EVTOL applications, focusing on safety and risk management against overheating and thermal runaway during flight.
Value Propositions
Cylindrical 18650 form factor with a nominal capacity of 10.8 Wh.
Standard charge current of 3.0 A, with a maximum continuous charge of 9.0 A.
Top-quartile volumetric energy density of 609 Wh/l, +16% vs database median of 541 Wh/l.
Gravimetric energy density of 230 Wh/kg, around median vs database.
Maximum continuous discharge of 30.0 A, top-quartile vs median of 30 A.

About the Cell
The Molicel P30B is a cylindrical 18650 cell with a nominal capacity of 10.8 Wh and 3.0 Ah. It features a standard charge current of 3.0 A and a maximum continuous charge of 9.0 A. The cell exhibits impressive volumetric energy density at 609 Wh/l, placing it in the top-quartile compared to the database median of 541 Wh/l. Its gravimetric energy density is 230 Wh/kg, which is around the median, ensuring a lightweight solution for UAV applications. Additionally, the maximum continuous discharge rate of 30.0 A positions it well for high-demand scenarios, aligning with the needs of drone battery design and UAV battery optimization.
Application Challenges
In the EVTOL sector, safety and risk management are paramount, particularly concerning overheating and thermal runaway during flight. The Molicel P30B cell's performance metrics are crucial in addressing these challenges. With a maximum continuous discharge of 30.0 A, it supports high energy demands while maintaining safety. The high energy density ensures that drones can operate efficiently without excessive weight, which is vital for long endurance missions. The risk of thermal runaway is mitigated by the cell's robust thermal management capabilities, making it suitable for extreme environments where UAVs operate.
Why this Cell
The Molicel P30B cell is an excellent choice for EVTOL applications due to its high energy density and robust discharge capabilities. With a volumetric energy density of 609 Wh/l, it is in the top-quartile compared to the database median, allowing for efficient space utilisation in UAV battery pack design. The maximum continuous discharge rate of 30.0 A ensures that the cell can handle demanding operational profiles without overheating, addressing the critical challenge of safety during flight. This combination of features makes the P30B ideal for applications requiring reliable performance under high-stress conditions.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a crucial role in optimising the performance of the Molicel P30B cell for EVTOL applications. By modelling load profiles, thermal rise, and voltage sag, engineers can predict the cell's behaviour under various conditions. This allows for the selection of the most suitable cell for specific mission profiles, ensuring that the UAV can operate safely and efficiently. For instance, simulations can identify potential overheating issues before they occur, enabling proactive measures to be taken. This predictive capability is essential for maintaining safety and reliability in UAV operations.


