Molicel P42B Drone Application Safety and risk management - particularly around overheating and thermal runaway during flight.
Explore the Molicel P42B cell for drones, designed for safety and risk management against overheating and thermal runaway during flight.
Value Propositions
Cylindrical 21700 form factor for optimal integration in UAVs.
Nominal capacity of 15.12 Wh and 4.2 Ah for reliable energy supply.
Top-quartile volumetric energy density of 591 Wh/l for compact designs.
Maximum continuous discharge of 45 A, ensuring high performance under load.
Gravimetric power density of 2314 W/kg, ideal for high energy demands.
About the Cell
The Molicel P42B is a cylindrical 21700 cell with a nominal capacity of 15.12 Wh and 4.2 Ah, making it a robust choice for drone applications. With a volumetric energy density of 591 Wh/l, it ranks in the top-quartile compared to the database median of 542 Wh/l. Its gravimetric energy density of 216 Wh/kg is around the median, providing a balanced weight-to-energy ratio. The cell's maximum continuous discharge rate of 45 A places it among the highest in the database, ensuring it can handle demanding flight profiles. Additionally, its volumetric power density of 6331 W/l is significantly above the median of 2029 W/l, making it suitable for high-performance UAVs.
Application Challenges
In the context of drones, safety and risk management are paramount, particularly regarding overheating and thermal runaway during flight. Drones often operate in varied environments, where temperature fluctuations can impact battery performance. The Molicel P42B's high energy density and discharge capabilities are crucial for maintaining consistent power output and preventing overheating. As drones are increasingly used for critical missions, such as surveillance and delivery, the ability to extend flight time while ensuring safety is essential. The challenge lies in optimising battery performance to meet the demands of long endurance flights while mitigating risks associated with thermal management.
Why this Cell
The Molicel P42B cell is specifically designed to address the challenges faced in drone applications. With a maximum continuous discharge of 45 A, it is positioned in the top-quartile compared to the median of 30 A, allowing for high discharge rates necessary for dynamic flight operations. Its volumetric energy density of 591 Wh/l is also a significant advantage, providing more energy in a compact form factor, which is critical for lightweight drone designs. The cell's performance metrics ensure that it can support extended flight times while managing thermal risks effectively, making it an ideal choice for UAV battery optimisation.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a vital role in selecting the right battery cells for drone applications. By modelling load profiles and thermal behaviour, engineers can predict how the Molicel P42B will perform under various conditions. This includes assessing heat generation during high discharge scenarios, which is crucial for preventing thermal runaway. The ability to simulate voltage sag and usable energy allows for accurate predictions of flight performance, ensuring that the selected cell meets the operational requirements. This approach reduces the reliance on trial-and-error testing, enabling manufacturers to confidently choose the best cells for their UAVs.
