Molicel P45B Drones Fast charge of the batteries - how to charge the battery quickly without overheating the cells or causing lithium plating which could degrade the battery or cause it to catch fire.
Explore the Molicel P45B for drones, designed for fast charging without overheating, ensuring safety and performance in demanding applications.
Value Propositions
Cylindrical 21700 form factor for compact design.
Nominal capacity of 16.2 Wh and 4.5 Ah for efficient energy storage.
Top-quartile volumetric power density of 6,331 W/l for rapid energy delivery.
Gravimetric energy density of 231.43 Wh/kg for lightweight applications.
Maximum continuous discharge of 45 A for high-performance demands.
About the Cell
The Molicel P45B is a cylindrical 21700 lithium-ion cell with a nominal capacity of 16.2 Wh (4.5 Ah). It boasts a volumetric energy density of 633 Wh/l, placing it in the top-quartile compared to the database median of 542 Wh/l. The gravimetric energy density is 231.43 Wh/kg, which is around the median of 210 Wh/kg. Its volumetric power density of 6,331 W/l is among the highest in the database, significantly enhancing its suitability for drone applications. The cell supports a standard charge current of 4.5 A and a maximum continuous charge of 13.5 A, ensuring efficient charging without overheating. With a maximum continuous discharge of 45 A, it meets the high demands of drone operations, making it an excellent choice for UAV battery pack design.
Application Challenges
In the context of drones, fast charging presents unique challenges. The need to charge batteries quickly without overheating is critical to prevent lithium plating, which can degrade battery performance and safety. The Molicel P45B addresses these challenges with its high maximum continuous charge rate of 13.5 A, allowing for rapid energy replenishment. However, careful thermal management is essential to maintain cell integrity during fast charging. The high energy density of the P45B supports long endurance missions, but the balance between charge speed and thermal safety must be meticulously managed to ensure reliable UAV operation.
Why this Cell
The Molicel P45B is ideal for drone applications due to its impressive specifications. With a maximum continuous discharge of 45 A, it is positioned in the top-quartile compared to the median of 30 A in the database, making it suitable for high discharge rate UAV batteries. Its volumetric power density of 6,331 W/l is among the highest, enabling quick energy delivery essential for drone performance. The cell's lightweight design, with a gravimetric energy density of 231.43 Wh/kg, supports the development of lightweight drone battery packs, enhancing flight time and efficiency. This combination of high energy density and robust discharge capabilities ensures that the P45B meets the rigorous demands of UAV battery optimization.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a crucial role in optimising the performance of the Molicel P45B in drone applications. By modelling load profiles and thermal behaviour, engineers can predict how the cell will perform under various conditions, including rapid charging scenarios. This approach allows for accurate assessments of voltage sag and heat generation, ensuring that the selected cell can handle the demands of fast charging without overheating. For instance, simulating the thermal rise during high discharge rates helps identify potential risks of thermal runaway, enabling the design of effective battery thermal management systems. Ultimately, this predictive capability supports the selection of the most suitable cells for UAV applications, ensuring reliability and safety in mission-critical operations.
