Molicel P42A Drone Battery: Weight v Power Trade Off in Pack Design - How to Pick the Right Balance
Discover the Molicel P42A drone battery, optimised for weight vs power trade off in pack design, ensuring maximum efficiency and performance.
Value Propositions
Cylindrical 21700 form factor for compact design.
Nominal capacity of 15.12 Wh, ideal for UAV applications.
Top-quartile power density (+58% vs median 750 W/kg) for brisk current draws.
Maximum continuous discharge of 45.0 A, supporting high-performance UAVs.
Volumetric energy density of 600 Wh/l, ensuring lightweight battery packs.
About the Cell
The Molicel P42A is a cylindrical 21700 lithium-ion cell with a nominal capacity of 15.12 Wh (4.2 Ah). It features a volumetric energy density of 600 Wh/l and a gravimetric energy density of 216 Wh/kg, making it suitable for drone applications where weight and power are critical. The cell supports a maximum continuous discharge of 45.0 A, which is in the top-quartile compared to the database median of 30 A, allowing for high power output during demanding flight scenarios. Additionally, its volumetric power density of 6433.68 W/l is among the highest in the database, providing excellent performance for rapid energy delivery. This combination of high energy and power densities makes the P42A an excellent choice for UAV battery pack design, particularly in applications requiring lightweight and efficient energy solutions.
Application Challenges
In the realm of drone technology, the challenge of balancing weight and power in battery pack design is paramount. Drones require batteries that not only provide sufficient energy for extended flight times but also maintain a lightweight profile to enhance manoeuvrability and efficiency. The Molicel P42A addresses these challenges with its high energy density and power capabilities. For instance, in applications such as long endurance drone batteries and VTOL drone battery pack design, the ability to optimise weight without sacrificing performance is crucial. The P42A's specifications allow for effective UAV battery optimisation, ensuring that drones can achieve their mission profiles without the risk of overheating or performance degradation. This is particularly important in extreme environments where reliable battery performance is essential for mission success.
Why this Cell
The Molicel P42A is specifically designed to meet the demands of drone applications, particularly in the context of weight versus power trade-offs. With a maximum continuous discharge of 45.0 A, it supports high discharge rate UAV batteries, making it suitable for applications that require rapid energy delivery. Its volumetric energy density of 600 Wh/l is significantly above the database median of 541.67 Wh/l, ensuring that drone operators can extend flight times without increasing the weight of the battery pack. Furthermore, the P42A's gravimetric power density of 2314.29 W/kg positions it in the top-quartile compared to the median of 750 W/kg, enabling efficient power management during flight. This cell is ideal for custom UAV battery packs, providing the necessary balance of energy and power for optimal drone performance.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a crucial role in the selection and optimisation of battery cells for drone applications. By modelling load profiles, thermal behaviour, and voltage response, engineers can accurately predict how the Molicel P42A will perform under various conditions. For instance, simulations can assess the thermal rise during high discharge scenarios, ensuring that the cell operates within safe limits and preventing overheating. Additionally, by analysing usable energy across different flight profiles, designers can make informed decisions about battery selection, ensuring that the chosen cell meets the specific requirements of the mission. This approach not only enhances the reliability of drone operations but also reduces the need for costly trial-and-error testing, ultimately leading to more efficient UAV battery pack design.
