Molicel P42B Safety and risk management - particularly around overheating and thermal runaway during flight.
Explore Molicel P42B for drone applications, focusing on safety and risk management against overheating and thermal runaway during flight.
Value Propositions
Cylindrical 21700 form factor for efficient integration.
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 compact designs.
Maximum continuous discharge of 45 A for demanding applications.
About the Cell
The Molicel P42B is a cylindrical 21700 lithium-ion cell designed for high-performance applications, particularly in UAVs. With a nominal capacity of 15.12 Wh and 4.2 Ah, it provides reliable energy storage. The cell boasts a volumetric energy density of 591 Wh/l, which is around the median of 542 Wh/l in the database, making it suitable for compact drone designs. Its gravimetric energy density of 216 Wh/kg is also competitive, being close to the median of 210 Wh/kg, ensuring lightweight solutions for UAVs. Additionally, the cell features a top-quartile gravimetric power density of 2314 W/kg, which is +58% vs the database median of 750 W/kg, allowing for brisk current draws during demanding flight operations. The volumetric power density of 6331 W/l is among the highest in the database, supporting high-performance applications. Overall, the Molicel P42B is engineered for safety and efficiency, making it an excellent choice for drone battery design.
Application Challenges
In the context of EVTOL and safety and risk management, particularly around overheating and thermal runaway during flight, the Molicel P42B addresses critical challenges. Overheating can lead to thermal runaway, posing significant risks during flight. The high energy density of the P42B allows for extended flight times, which is crucial for UAVs operating in demanding environments. The ability to maintain performance under high discharge rates is essential for ensuring that drones can complete their missions without failure. The Molicel P42B's design mitigates risks associated with battery overheating, making it a reliable choice for UAV applications. Furthermore, its lightweight nature aids in improving overall UAV efficiency, which is vital for long endurance missions.
Why this Cell
The Molicel P42B is specifically designed to meet the rigorous demands of EVTOL applications, particularly in safety and risk management. Its maximum continuous discharge of 45 A allows for high discharge rates, essential for UAVs that require immediate power during critical flight phases. This performance is top-quartile compared to the database median of 30 A, ensuring that the cell can handle demanding operational conditions. The cell's volumetric energy density of 591 Wh/l is also advantageous, as it allows for compact battery pack designs that do not compromise on energy storage. This is particularly important in preventing overheating, as a well-designed battery pack can dissipate heat more effectively. The combination of high energy and power densities makes the Molicel P42B an ideal choice for custom UAV battery packs, ensuring both performance and safety.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a crucial role in optimising the performance of the Molicel P42B in UAV applications. By modelling load profiles and thermal behaviour, engineers can predict how the cell will perform under various conditions, including high discharge rates and temperature fluctuations. This predictive capability allows for the selection of the best cells for specific missions, ensuring that the UAV can operate safely without the risk of thermal runaway. For instance, simulations can help determine the optimal charge and discharge rates, ensuring that the battery operates within safe limits while maximising performance. Additionally, by understanding the internal temperature rise during operation, engineers can design better thermal management systems, further enhancing the safety of the UAV. Overall, simulation aids in making informed decisions about battery selection and design, ultimately leading to improved UAV mission success rates.
