Molicel P42A Mission feasibility assessment - asses what missions or use cases are possible or not using a go/no-go decision using simulation.
Explore the Molicel P42A cell for mission feasibility assessments in EVTOL applications, optimising drone battery performance and endurance.
Value Propositions
Cylindrical 21700 form factor for efficient design.
Nominal capacity of 15.12 Wh, ideal for UAV applications.
Top-quartile volumetric power density of 6,434 W/l, +58% vs median.
Gravimetric energy density of 216 Wh/kg, around median for lightweight packs.
Maximum continuous discharge of 45 A, top-quartile vs median 30 A.
About the Cell
The Molicel P42A is a cylindrical 21700 lithium-ion cell designed for high-performance applications. With a nominal capacity of 15.12 Wh and 4.2 Ah, it provides substantial energy storage for UAVs. The cell boasts a volumetric energy density of 600 Wh/l, which is among the highest in the database, and a gravimetric energy density of 216 Wh/kg, which is around the median. Its volumetric power density of 6,434 W/l is top-quartile, providing excellent performance for demanding applications. The maximum continuous discharge rate of 45 A, which is also top-quartile, ensures that the cell can handle high power demands without overheating. This makes the P42A an excellent choice for drone battery design, particularly in mission-critical scenarios where reliability and performance are paramount.
Application Challenges
In the context of EVTOL and mission feasibility assessments, the Molicel P42A cell addresses several key challenges. The ability to assess what missions or use cases are possible using simulation is crucial for UAV operators. The high energy density of the P42A allows for longer flight times, which is essential for missions that require extended operational ranges. Additionally, the cell's robust performance under various conditions ensures that it can meet the demands of different mission profiles. Accurate predictions of battery performance, including state of charge (SoC) and thermal behaviour, are vital for ensuring mission success and preventing mid-air failures. The P42A's specifications make it suitable for a variety of applications, including long endurance drone batteries and heavy lift drone batteries, where reliability and efficiency are critical.
Why this Cell
The Molicel P42A cell is particularly well-suited for EVTOL applications and mission feasibility assessments due to its impressive specifications. 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, ensuring that it can deliver high power when needed. The cell's volumetric energy density of 600 Wh/l is among the highest available, allowing for lightweight drone battery packs that do not compromise on performance. This is crucial for UAV battery optimisation, as it enables longer flight times and improved mission endurance. Furthermore, the gravimetric energy density of 216 Wh/kg is around the median, making it a balanced choice for various UAV applications. The combination of these metrics makes the P42A an excellent option for custom UAV battery packs, ensuring that operators can confidently select the right cell for their specific needs.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a critical role in optimising the performance of the Molicel P42A cell for UAV applications. By modelling load profiles, thermal rise, voltage sag, and usable energy, engineers can accurately predict how the cell will perform under various conditions. This allows for informed decision-making when selecting cells for UAVs, as it provides insights into how different cells will behave in real-world scenarios. For instance, simulating the thermal behaviour of the P42A under high discharge rates can help prevent overheating and ensure safe operation during missions. Additionally, using cell-specific data to model energy consumption across different flight speeds enables operators to optimise their mission profiles for maximum efficiency. This approach not only enhances battery thermal management for drones but also improves overall UAV performance, ensuring that missions can be executed reliably and efficiently.
