Molicel P42A Safety and risk management - particularly around overheating and thermal runaway during flight.
Explore the Molicel P42A cell for UAV applications, focusing on safety and thermal management to enhance drone performance and reliability.
Value Propositions
Cylindrical 21700 form factor for compact UAV designs.
Nominal capacity of 15.12 Wh, ideal for long endurance drone batteries.
Top-quartile volumetric power density of 6434 W/l for high-performance UAVs.
Gravimetric energy density of 216 Wh/kg, supporting lightweight drone battery packs.
Maximum continuous discharge of 45 A, ensuring high discharge rate UAV batteries.
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 boasts a volumetric energy density of 600 Wh/l, which is significantly above the database median of 542 Wh/l, making it suitable for applications requiring high energy density. The cell's gravimetric energy density stands at 216 Wh/kg, which is around the median, providing a balance between weight and energy storage. With a maximum continuous discharge rate of 45 A, it is positioned in the top-quartile compared to the median of 30 A, ensuring robust performance under demanding conditions. Additionally, the volumetric power density of 6434 W/l is among the highest in the database, facilitating quick energy delivery for UAV applications.
Application Challenges
In the context of EVTOL applications, safety and risk management are paramount, particularly concerning overheating and thermal runaway during flight. The Molicel P42A cell's high energy density is crucial for extending drone flight times, which is essential for mission success. Overheating can lead to catastrophic failures, making it vital to select cells that can handle high discharge rates without compromising safety. The ability to predict thermal behaviour and manage battery performance under various conditions is critical for UAV operators, especially in extreme environments where reliability is non-negotiable.
Why this Cell
The Molicel P42A cell is an excellent choice for UAV applications due to its impressive specifications. With a maximum continuous discharge rate of 45 A, it is positioned in the top-quartile compared to the median of 30 A, ensuring that it can handle the high current demands of UAVs during critical phases of flight. Its volumetric energy density of 600 Wh/l is significantly above the median, allowing for longer flight times without increasing weight. This combination of high energy and power density makes the P42A ideal for applications that require both endurance and safety, particularly in scenarios where overheating is a concern.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a crucial role in optimising the performance of the Molicel P42A cell in UAV 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 approach allows for accurate predictions of voltage sag and usable energy, enabling the selection of the most suitable cell for specific mission profiles. For instance, simulating the thermal rise during high-current draws helps in understanding the risk of thermal runaway, ensuring that the selected cell maintains safety while delivering optimal performance. This predictive capability is essential for UAV operators, allowing for informed decision-making and enhanced mission reliability.
