Molicel P45B Drones Safety and risk management - particularly around overheating and thermal runaway during flight.
Explore the Molicel P45B cell for drones, designed for safety and risk management, ensuring optimal performance and preventing overheating during flight.
Value Propositions
Cylindrical 21700 form factor for compact design.
Nominal capacity of 16.2 Wh and 4.5 Ah for reliable energy supply.
Top-quartile volumetric power density of 6,331 W/l for high performance.
Gravimetric energy density of 231.43 Wh/kg, enhancing flight efficiency.
Maximum continuous discharge of 45 A, ensuring robust performance.
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 and a gravimetric energy density of 231 Wh/kg. With a maximum continuous discharge of 45 A, it is designed for high-performance applications such as drones. The cell's volumetric power density of 6,331 W/l places it among the highest in the database, making it suitable for demanding drone operations. The standard charge current is 4.5 A, with a maximum continuous charge of 13.5 A, allowing for efficient energy management. Overall, the P45B is engineered for reliability and performance in critical applications.
Application Challenges
In the realm of drones, safety and risk management are paramount, especially concerning overheating and thermal runaway during flight. The Molicel P45B cell addresses these challenges by providing high energy density and robust discharge capabilities. In drone applications, the ability to maintain optimal performance under varying conditions is crucial. The P45B's specifications ensure that it can handle the demands of long endurance flights while mitigating risks associated with battery failure. The high discharge rate of 45 A allows for quick bursts of power, essential for manoeuvring and maintaining stability during flight. Furthermore, the cell's design helps prevent overheating, a critical factor in ensuring the safety of drone operations.
Why this Cell
The Molicel P45B cell is an ideal choice for drone applications due to its impressive specifications. With a maximum continuous discharge of 45 A, it is in the top-quartile compared to the database median of 30 A, ensuring it can handle high current demands without overheating. The cell's gravimetric energy density of 231.43 Wh/kg is also notable, providing a lightweight solution that enhances flight efficiency. This is particularly important for UAV battery optimization, where every gram counts. Additionally, the volumetric energy density of 633 Wh/l positions the P45B among the highest in the database, making it suitable for long endurance drone batteries. These features collectively contribute to improved UAV mission endurance and safety.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a crucial role in optimising the performance of the Molicel P45B cell in drone applications. By modelling load profiles and thermal behaviour, engineers can predict how the cell will perform under various conditions. This includes assessing heat generation during high discharge scenarios and understanding voltage sag over time. Such simulations enable the selection of the most suitable cell for specific mission profiles, ensuring that the drone can deliver the required thrust and energy throughout its flight. For instance, by simulating different flight speeds, engineers can identify optimal cruise velocities that balance energy consumption and performance. This approach not only enhances battery thermal management for drones but also helps in accurate drone battery state of charge (SOC) prediction, ultimately leading to safer and more efficient drone operations.
