Molicel P42B Drones Fast charge of the batteries - how to charge the battery quickly without overheating the cells or causing lithium plating which could degrade the battery or cause it to catch fire.
Discover the Molicel P42B cell for drones, designed for fast charging without overheating, ensuring safety and efficiency in UAV applications.
Value Propositions
Cylindrical 21700 form factor for compact design.
Nominal capacity of 15.12 Wh and 4.2 Ah for reliable performance.
Top-quartile gravimetric power density of 2314 W/kg for high discharge rates.
Volumetric energy density of 591 Wh/l, ideal for lightweight drone battery packs.
Maximum continuous discharge of 45 A, ensuring robust power delivery.
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 suitable for high-performance applications such as drones. With a volumetric energy density of 591 Wh/l, it ranks among the highest in the database, providing efficient energy storage in a compact form. The gravimetric energy density of 216 Wh/kg ensures that the cell remains lightweight, which is crucial for drone applications where every gram counts. Additionally, the cell boasts a volumetric power density of 6331 W/l, which is significantly above the median of 2029 W/l, making it ideal for applications requiring rapid energy delivery. The maximum continuous discharge rate of 45 A allows for high current draws, essential for demanding drone operations, while the standard charge current of 4.2 A supports efficient charging processes. Overall, the Molicel P42B is engineered to meet the rigorous demands of UAV battery pack design, ensuring both performance and safety.
Application Challenges
In the context of drones, fast charging presents unique challenges. Rapid charging must be balanced with thermal management to prevent overheating, which can lead to lithium plating and degradation of the battery. The Molicel P42B addresses these challenges with its high maximum continuous discharge rate of 45 A, allowing for quick energy delivery without compromising safety. Effective battery thermal management is crucial to extend drone flight time and improve UAV mission endurance. The ability to charge quickly while maintaining safe operating temperatures is essential for applications such as heavy lift drones and long endurance missions. As drones are increasingly used in extreme environments, the need for reliable battery performance under varying conditions becomes paramount. The Molicel P42B's design supports these requirements, making it a suitable choice for UAV battery optimization.
Why this Cell
The Molicel P42B cell is specifically designed for drone applications, offering a combination of high energy density and robust discharge capabilities. With a gravimetric power density of 2314 W/kg, it is in the top-quartile compared to the median of 750 W/kg, making it ideal for high discharge rate UAV batteries. The cell's volumetric energy density of 591 Wh/l is also among the highest in the database, which allows for lightweight drone battery packs that do not compromise on performance. This is particularly important for applications requiring long endurance and efficient energy use. The maximum continuous discharge rate of 45 A ensures that the cell can handle the demands of rapid energy delivery, essential for maintaining drone powertrain efficiency during critical operations. By selecting the Molicel P42B, engineers can achieve optimal performance while addressing the challenges of drone battery design.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a crucial role in optimising battery performance for drones. By modelling load profiles, engineers can predict how the Molicel P42B will behave under various conditions, including thermal rise and voltage sag. This predictive capability allows for the selection of the most suitable cells for specific applications, ensuring that the battery can deliver the required thrust and energy throughout the flight envelope. For instance, simulations can help identify the optimal charging protocols that prevent overheating while maximising charge efficiency. Additionally, by analysing the internal temperature rise during operation, engineers can avoid scenarios that lead to thermal runaway, thus enhancing the safety of UAV operations. Ultimately, simulation enables a more informed decision-making process, reducing the reliance on trial-and-error testing and improving overall mission reliability.
