Molicel P30B Weight v power trade off in pack design - how to pick the right balance.
Explore Molicel P30B for UAV battery pack design, addressing weight vs power trade-offs to enhance drone performance and endurance.
Value Propositions
Cylindrical 18650 form factor for versatile applications.
Nominal capacity of 10.8 Wh and 3.0 Ah for reliable energy delivery.
Top-quartile power density (+58% vs median W/kg) for brisk current draws.
Maximum continuous discharge of 30 A, ensuring robust performance.
Volumetric energy density of 609 Wh/l, ideal for compact designs.
About the Cell
The Molicel P30B is a cylindrical 18650 lithium-ion cell with a nominal capacity of 10.8 Wh and 3.0 Ah. It boasts impressive volumetric energy density at 609 Wh/l, which is significantly above the database median of 541.67 Wh/l, making it suitable for applications requiring high energy in a compact form. The gravimetric energy density of 229.79 Wh/kg also positions it well in the market, being around the median of 210 Wh/kg. With a maximum continuous discharge of 30 A, it is designed to handle high power demands, placing it in the top-quartile compared to the median of 30 A. The cell's volumetric power density of 6094.81 W/l is among the highest in the database, ensuring efficient energy delivery during operation. This combination of features makes the P30B an excellent choice for UAV battery pack design, particularly in applications where weight and power trade-offs are critical.
Application Challenges
In the context of EVTOL and the weight vs power trade-off in pack design, selecting the right battery is crucial. UAVs require batteries that not only provide sufficient energy for extended flight times but also maintain a lightweight profile to enhance performance. The Molicel P30B addresses these challenges effectively, offering a high energy density that allows for longer missions without adding excessive weight. The ability to discharge at 30 A ensures that the drone can handle demanding tasks, such as heavy lifting or rapid acceleration, while still maintaining thermal stability. This balance is vital for ensuring that drones can operate efficiently in various environments, including extreme conditions where battery performance can be compromised.
Why this Cell
The Molicel P30B is particularly well-suited for UAV applications due to its high volumetric energy density of 609 Wh/l, which is significantly above the median of 541.67 Wh/l. This characteristic allows for the design of lightweight drone battery packs that do not sacrifice performance. Additionally, the maximum continuous discharge rate of 30 A positions it in the top-quartile compared to the median of 30 A, making it ideal for applications requiring high discharge rates. This capability is essential for UAV battery optimisation, ensuring that the drone can perform demanding tasks without overheating or experiencing voltage sag. The combination of these metrics makes the P30B an optimal choice for those looking to extend drone flight time and improve mission endurance.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a crucial role in optimising battery selection for UAV applications. By modelling load profiles, thermal behaviour, and voltage response, engineers can predict how the Molicel P30B will perform under various conditions. For instance, simulating the thermal rise during high discharge scenarios allows for the identification of potential overheating issues, ensuring that the selected cell can handle the operational demands without risk of failure. Additionally, modelling usable energy helps in accurately predicting the state of charge (SoC) throughout the flight, which is vital for mission planning and reliability. This approach not only streamlines the design process but also enhances the overall performance of UAVs, ensuring that they can meet the rigorous demands of their operational environments.
