Molicel P42B Weight v power trade off in pack design - how to pick the right balance.
Explore the Molicel P42B cell for UAV applications, balancing weight and power for optimal drone performance. Discover its advantages today.
Value Propositions
Cylindrical 21700 form factor for efficient design.
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, ideal for high-demand applications.
Gravimetric power density of 2314 W/kg, supporting rapid energy delivery.
About the Cell
The Molicel P42B is a cylindrical 21700 lithium-ion cell with a nominal capacity of 15.12 Wh and 4.2 Ah. It features a volumetric energy density of 591 Wh/l, placing it in the top-quartile compared to the median of 542 Wh/l in the database. Its gravimetric energy density is 216 Wh/kg, which is around the median of 210 Wh/kg. The cell's volumetric power density is 6331 W/l, which is among the highest in the database, and its gravimetric power density is 2314 W/kg, also in the top-quartile compared to the median of 750 W/kg. With a maximum continuous discharge of 45 A, this cell is well-suited for high-performance UAV applications, ensuring that it can handle demanding power requirements without overheating or compromising safety.
Application Challenges
In the context of EVTOL and the weight versus power trade-off in pack design, the Molicel P42B cell addresses critical challenges. UAVs require batteries that not only provide sufficient energy for extended flight times but also maintain a lightweight profile to enhance overall efficiency. The ability to balance these factors is crucial for applications such as long endurance drone batteries and heavy lift drone batteries. The P42B's high energy density allows for more compact battery designs, which is essential for optimising payload capacity and flight duration. Additionally, the cell's robust discharge capabilities ensure that UAVs can perform under varying load conditions, making it a reliable choice for mission-critical operations.
Why this Cell
The Molicel P42B cell is an excellent choice for UAV applications due to its impressive specifications. With a nominal capacity of 15.12 Wh and a maximum continuous discharge of 45 A, it supports high energy demands while maintaining a lightweight profile. The cell's volumetric energy density of 591 Wh/l is significantly above the median, allowing for compact battery designs that do not compromise on performance. This is particularly important in the context of EVTOL and the weight versus power trade-off, where every gram counts. Furthermore, its gravimetric power density of 2314 W/kg ensures that the cell can deliver energy rapidly, which is essential for applications requiring quick bursts of power, such as takeoff and manoeuvring.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a crucial role in optimising the selection of the Molicel P42B cell for UAV applications. By modelling load profiles, thermal behaviour, and voltage response, engineers can predict how the cell will perform under various conditions. This approach allows for accurate assessments of energy delivery, thermal management, and overall efficiency. For instance, simulations can identify the optimal discharge rates and help prevent overheating, ensuring that the cell operates within safe limits. Additionally, modelling can assist in predicting the usable energy across different flight scenarios, enabling designers to make informed decisions about battery pack configurations. This level of analysis is vital for achieving the best balance between weight and power in UAV designs, ultimately leading to improved mission endurance and reliability.
