Molicel P42A Drones Safety and risk management - particularly around overheating and thermal runaway during flight.
Explore the Molicel P42A cell for drones, designed for safety and risk management, optimising performance while preventing overheating and thermal runaway.
Value Propositions
Cylindrical 21700 form factor for compact designs.
Nominal capacity of 15.12 Wh and 4.2 Ah for extended flight times.
Volumetric energy density of 600 Wh/l, top-quartile vs median.
Gravimetric power density of 2314 W/kg, +92% vs database median.
Maximum continuous discharge of 45 A, top-quartile vs median.
About the Cell
The Molicel P42A is a cylindrical 21700 cell with a nominal capacity of 15.12 Wh (4.2 Ah), designed for high-performance applications such as drones. It boasts a volumetric energy density of 600 Wh/l, placing it in the top-quartile compared to the database median of 541.67 Wh/l. Additionally, its gravimetric energy density of 216 Wh/kg is around the median, ensuring a balance between weight and energy storage. With a maximum continuous discharge rate of 45 A, this cell is capable of delivering high power outputs, making it suitable for demanding drone applications. The cell's volumetric power density of 6433.68 W/l is among the highest in the database, providing excellent performance for rapid energy demands. This combination of features makes the Molicel P42A an ideal choice for UAV battery pack design, particularly in safety-critical applications where overheating and thermal runaway are concerns.
Application Challenges
In the realm of drones, safety and risk management are paramount, especially concerning overheating and thermal runaway during flight. The Molicel P42A cell addresses these challenges by providing a high energy density solution that allows for longer flight times without compromising safety. The ability to manage heat generation effectively is crucial, as drones often operate in varying environmental conditions. The high maximum continuous discharge rate of 45 A ensures that the cell can handle the power demands of various flight profiles while maintaining thermal stability. This is particularly important in applications such as heavy lift drones and VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) systems, where payload and performance are critical. By selecting the right battery cell, operators can extend drone flight time and improve mission endurance, all while preventing battery overheating and ensuring reliable operation.
Why this Cell
The Molicel P42A cell is specifically designed to meet the rigorous demands of drone applications, particularly in safety and risk management. With a maximum continuous discharge rate of 45 A, it is in the top-quartile compared to the median of 30 A in the database, allowing for high discharge rates necessary for rapid acceleration and manoeuvrability. Its volumetric energy density of 600 Wh/l is also noteworthy, as it exceeds the median, providing more energy in a compact form factor. This is essential for lightweight drone battery packs, where every gram counts. Furthermore, the cell's gravimetric power density of 2314 W/kg is +92% vs the database median, ensuring that it can deliver power efficiently without overheating. These characteristics make the Molicel P42A an excellent choice for custom UAV battery packs, optimising both performance and safety.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a crucial role in optimising the performance of the Molicel P42A cell in drone applications. By modelling load profiles and thermal behaviour, engineers can predict how the cell will perform under various conditions, including high discharge rates and extreme temperatures. This predictive capability allows for the selection of the most suitable cell for specific mission profiles, ensuring that the drone can operate safely and efficiently. For instance, simulations can help identify potential overheating issues before they occur, enabling proactive measures to be taken in the design phase. Additionally, by analysing voltage sag and usable energy across different flight scenarios, designers can optimise battery thermal management for drones, ensuring that the cell operates within safe temperature limits. This approach not only enhances the reliability of drone operations but also reduces the risk of thermal runaway, making the Molicel P42A a safe choice for demanding applications.
