Molicel P42A Aerospace Maximise flight time - optimise the cell selection, duty cycle and flight speed to maximise flight time.
Discover the Molicel P42A cell, designed for aerospace applications, maximising flight time and optimising performance under demanding conditions.
Value Propositions
Cylindrical 21700 form factor for efficient integration.
Nominal capacity of 15.12 Wh and 4.2 Ah for extended use.
Volumetric energy density of 600 Wh/l, top-quartile vs median.
Gravimetric power density of 2314 W/kg, +58% vs median.
Maximum continuous discharge of 45 A, among the highest in database.
About the Cell
The Molicel P42A is a cylindrical 21700 lithium-ion cell, featuring a nominal capacity of 15.12 Wh and 4.2 Ah. With a volumetric energy density of 600 Wh/l, it ranks in the top-quartile compared to the median of 541.67 Wh/l in the database. The gravimetric energy density is 216 Wh/kg, which is around the median of 210 Wh/kg. The cell boasts a maximum continuous discharge of 45 A, which is among the highest in the database, and a maximum continuous charge of 8.4 A. This combination of high energy and power density makes the P42A ideal for demanding applications such as UAVs and drones, where weight and efficiency are critical.
Application Challenges
In aerospace applications, maximising flight time is crucial. The Molicel P42A cell's high energy density allows for longer missions without the need for frequent recharging. Optimising cell selection, duty cycles, and flight speeds can significantly enhance the operational efficiency of drones. The challenge lies in ensuring that the battery can deliver consistent performance under varying conditions, such as temperature fluctuations and different payloads. High discharge rates are often required for takeoff and manoeuvring, making it essential to select a cell that can handle these demands without overheating or degrading.
Why this Cell
The Molicel P42A cell is particularly suited for aerospace applications due to its impressive specifications. With a maximum continuous discharge of 45 A, it is among the highest in the database, ensuring that drones can perform demanding tasks without compromising safety. The cell's volumetric energy density of 600 Wh/l is top-quartile compared to the median, allowing for lightweight drone battery packs that do not sacrifice performance. This is critical for extending drone flight time and improving UAV mission endurance, especially in challenging environments.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a vital role in optimising the selection of the Molicel P42A cell for aerospace applications. By modelling load profiles and thermal behaviour, engineers can predict how the cell will perform under various conditions, including high discharge rates and temperature extremes. This predictive capability allows for informed decisions regarding cell selection, ensuring that the chosen battery can deliver the required thrust and energy throughout the entire flight envelope. Additionally, simulations can help identify the optimal duty cycle and flight speed, maximising flight time and efficiency while preventing issues such as overheating.
