Molicel P42B Drones Mission feasibility assessment - asses what missions or use cases are possible or not using a go/no-go decision using simulation.
Explore Molicel P42B for drones, optimising mission feasibility with high energy density and performance for reliable go/no-go decisions in simulations.
Value Propositions
Cylindrical 21700 form factor for efficient design.
Nominal capacity of 15.12 Wh and 4.2 Ah for extended use.
Top-quartile volumetric energy density at 591 Wh/l.
Gravimetric power density of 2314 W/kg for high discharge rates.
Maximum continuous discharge of 45 A for demanding applications.

About the Cell
The Molicel P42B is a cylindrical 21700 lithium-ion cell designed for drone applications, featuring a nominal capacity of 15.12 Wh and 4.2 Ah. Its volumetric energy density of 591 Wh/l positions it among the highest in the database, significantly enhancing drone endurance. The cell's gravimetric energy density of 216 Wh/kg allows for lightweight drone battery packs, crucial for maintaining flight efficiency. Additionally, the cell boasts a volumetric power density of 6331 W/l, which is top-quartile compared to the median of 2029 W/l, ensuring that drones can handle high power demands during operation. The maximum continuous discharge rate of 45 A, which is also top-quartile against the median of 30 A, supports high-performance applications, making it ideal for UAV battery pack design.
Application Challenges
In the context of drones, the mission feasibility assessment is vital for determining which missions can be executed successfully. The Molicel P42B's high energy density is essential for long endurance drone batteries, allowing operators to maximise flight time while ensuring reliability. The ability to accurately predict battery performance under various conditions is crucial, especially in extreme environments where temperature fluctuations can impact battery efficiency. The challenge lies in selecting the right battery cell that can withstand these conditions while providing the necessary power output. Simulation plays a key role in this process, enabling operators to assess the feasibility of missions based on battery state of charge (SoC) and environmental factors.
Why this Cell
The Molicel P42B is specifically designed to meet the demands of drone applications, particularly in mission feasibility assessments. With a volumetric energy density of 591 Wh/l, it stands out as one of the highest in the database, allowing for longer flight times without increasing weight. The maximum continuous discharge rate of 45 A ensures that the cell can handle high power demands, which is critical for UAV battery optimisation. This performance is complemented by a gravimetric power density of 2314 W/kg, making it suitable for applications requiring rapid energy delivery. The combination of these metrics makes the P42B an excellent choice for custom UAV battery packs, ensuring that operators can confidently execute their missions.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design are integral to optimising the performance of the Molicel P42B in drone applications. By modelling load profiles, engineers can predict how the cell will perform under various flight conditions, including different temperatures and states of charge. This predictive capability allows for accurate assessments of battery performance, ensuring that drones can reliably complete missions without unexpected failures. Furthermore, simulations can help identify the optimal discharge rates and thermal management strategies, preventing overheating and extending battery life. This approach not only enhances the reliability of drone operations but also supports the development of more efficient UAV powertrain systems, ultimately leading to improved mission outcomes.


