Molicel P42B Mission feasibility assessment - asses what missions or use cases are possible or not using a go/no-go decision using simulation.
Explore the Molicel P42B cell for mission feasibility assessments in EVTOL applications, addressing challenges in UAV battery design and optimisation.
Value Propositions
Cylindrical 21700 form factor for efficient integration.
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 robust performance.
Gravimetric power density of 2,314 W/kg, ideal for high-demand applications.
About the Cell
The Molicel P42B is a cylindrical 21700 lithium-ion cell designed for high-performance applications. With a nominal capacity of 15.12 Wh (4.2 Ah), it provides a reliable energy source for various UAV applications. Its volumetric energy density of 591 Wh/l is among the highest in the database, significantly enhancing the design of lightweight drone battery packs. The cell also boasts a maximum continuous discharge of 45 A, which is top-quartile compared to the median of 30 A, making it suitable for high energy density drone batteries. Additionally, the gravimetric energy density of 216 Wh/kg ensures that the P42B can meet the demands of extended flight times while maintaining a lightweight profile. This combination of features makes the P42B an excellent choice for UAV battery pack design, particularly in mission-critical scenarios where performance is paramount.
Application Challenges
In the context of EVTOL and mission feasibility assessment, the Molicel P42B cell addresses several key challenges. The ability to assess what missions or use cases are possible or not using a go/no-go decision is crucial for UAV operators. The high energy density of the P42B allows for longer endurance in drone batteries, which is essential for missions that require extended flight times. Additionally, the cell's robust discharge capabilities help prevent overheating, a common pain point in UAV battery performance. Accurate state of charge (SoC) prediction is vital for ensuring that drones can complete their missions without mid-air failures, especially in extreme environments. The P42B's specifications support these needs, providing a reliable foundation for UAV battery optimisation and performance testing.
Why this Cell
The Molicel P42B cell is particularly suited for EVTOL applications due to its impressive specifications. With a volumetric energy density of 591 Wh/l, it ranks among the highest in the database, allowing for compact battery designs that do not compromise on performance. The maximum continuous discharge of 45 A positions it in the top-quartile compared to the median of 30 A, making it ideal for high discharge rate UAV batteries. This capability is crucial for applications requiring rapid energy delivery, such as heavy lift drone operations. Furthermore, the cell's gravimetric power density of 2,314 W/kg ensures that it can support demanding flight profiles while maintaining a lightweight design, essential for improving UAV mission endurance.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a critical role in optimising the use of the Molicel P42B cell for UAV applications. By modelling load profiles, thermal behaviour, and voltage response, engineers can accurately predict the performance of the cell under various operational conditions. This approach allows for the assessment of energy consumption across different flight scenarios, enabling the identification of optimal flight speeds that balance battery efficiency and operational range. Additionally, simulations can help in predicting thermal rise and potential overheating issues, ensuring that the selected cell can operate safely within its limits. This predictive capability is vital for mission feasibility assessments, as it enables operators to make informed go/no-go decisions based on real-time data and simulations, ultimately enhancing the reliability and safety of UAV operations.
