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Molicel P42B Drones Maximise flight time - optimise the cell selection, duty cycle and flight speed to maximise flight time.

Discover the Molicel P42B cell for drones, optimising flight time and performance with high energy density and reliable discharge rates.

Value Propositions

  • Cylindrical 21700 form factor for efficient design.

  • Nominal capacity of 15.12 Wh and 4.2 Ah for robust performance.

  • Volumetric energy density of 591 Wh/l, +13% vs database median of 542 Wh/l.

  • Gravimetric power density of 2314 W/kg, top-quartile vs median of 750 W/kg.

  • Maximum continuous discharge of 45 A, top-quartile vs median of 30 A.

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About the Cell

The Molicel P42B is a cylindrical 21700 cell designed for high-performance applications, particularly in drone technology. With a nominal capacity of 15.12 Wh and 4.2 Ah, it provides a reliable energy source for various UAV applications. The cell boasts an impressive volumetric energy density of 591 Wh/l, which is +13% compared to the database median of 542 Wh/l, making it suitable for long endurance missions. Additionally, its gravimetric energy density of 216 Wh/kg is competitive, ensuring lightweight designs for drone battery packs. The cell's volumetric power density of 6331 W/l is among the highest in the database, allowing for efficient energy delivery during demanding flight conditions. Furthermore, the maximum continuous discharge rate of 45 A positions it in the top-quartile compared to the median of 30 A, ensuring that it can handle high current draws without compromising performance.

Application Challenges

In the realm of drones, maximising flight time is crucial. The Molicel P42B cell addresses this challenge by optimising cell selection, duty cycle, and flight speed. Drones require batteries that can sustain high energy outputs while maintaining thermal stability. The high energy density of the P42B allows for extended flight durations, which is essential for applications such as industrial inspections, surveillance, and emergency response. The ability to discharge at a maximum of 45 A ensures that the drone can perform demanding tasks without overheating or experiencing voltage sag. As UAVs operate in various environments, the P42B's design also mitigates risks associated with battery overheating, ensuring safe and reliable operations.

Why this Cell

The Molicel P42B cell is specifically designed to meet the rigorous demands of drone applications. Its nominal capacity of 15.12 Wh and 4.2 Ah provides a solid foundation for energy needs. The cell's volumetric energy density of 591 Wh/l is +13% compared to the median, making it an excellent choice for long endurance drone batteries. Furthermore, its gravimetric power density of 2314 W/kg places it in the top-quartile, ensuring that it can deliver high power outputs efficiently. The maximum continuous discharge rate of 45 A allows for robust performance during critical flight phases, making it ideal for UAV battery pack design. This combination of high energy density and reliable discharge rates makes the Molicel P42B a prime candidate for custom UAV battery packs.

How Model-Based Design Helps

Simulation and model-based design play a pivotal role in optimising battery performance for drones. By simulating load profiles, thermal behaviour, and voltage responses, engineers can accurately predict how the Molicel P42B will perform under various conditions. This approach allows for the identification of optimal duty cycles and flight speeds, ensuring that the drone can maximise its flight time. For instance, modelling the thermal rise during high discharge scenarios helps in selecting the right cell to prevent overheating, thus enhancing safety. Additionally, simulations can provide insights into usable energy across different flight envelopes, enabling operators to make informed decisions about mission feasibility. This predictive capability is essential for ensuring reliability in critical missions, where every minute of airtime is vital.

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