Molicel P45B Safety and risk management - particularly around overheating and thermal runaway during flight.
Discover the Molicel P45B, a high-performance battery for EVTOL applications, designed to manage overheating and thermal runaway effectively.
Value Propositions
Cylindrical 21700 form factor for efficient space utilisation.
Nominal capacity of 16.2 Wh and 4.5 Ah for reliable energy delivery.
Top-quartile power density (+58% vs median W/kg) for brisk current draws.
Maximum continuous discharge of 45 A for demanding applications.
Volumetric energy density of 633 Wh/l, among the highest in the database.
About the Cell
The Molicel P45B features a cylindrical 21700 form factor, optimised for high energy and power density. With a nominal capacity of 16.2 Wh and 4.5 Ah, it delivers reliable performance for various applications. The cell boasts a volumetric energy density of 633 Wh/l, placing it among the highest in the database, and a gravimetric energy density of 231.429 Wh/kg, which is around the median. Its volumetric power density of 6330.6 W/l is also among the highest, ensuring that it can handle demanding power requirements. The maximum continuous discharge rate of 45 A and a maximum continuous charge rate of 13.5 A make it suitable for high-performance UAV applications. This cell is designed to meet the rigorous demands of EVTOL applications, particularly in safety and risk management scenarios.
Application Challenges
In EVTOL applications, safety and risk management are paramount, especially concerning overheating and thermal runaway during flight. The Molicel P45B addresses these challenges by providing a high energy density, which is crucial for extending drone flight times. With a maximum continuous discharge rate of 45 A, this cell can support high power demands without compromising safety. The ability to manage thermal performance effectively is essential, as overheating can lead to catastrophic failures. Therefore, selecting the right battery cell is critical for ensuring the reliability and safety of UAV operations, particularly in extreme environments where temperature fluctuations can affect performance.
Why this Cell
The Molicel P45B is an excellent choice for EVTOL applications due to its impressive specifications. With a volumetric energy density of 633 Wh/l, it stands among the highest in the database, allowing for longer flight times without increasing weight. The maximum continuous discharge rate of 45 A ensures that it can handle the high power demands of UAVs, making it top-quartile compared to the median of 30 A in the database. Additionally, its gravimetric energy density of 231.429 Wh/kg is around the median, providing a balanced performance that meets the needs of various UAV designs. This cell's ability to maintain performance under high discharge rates is crucial for applications requiring rapid energy delivery, such as emergency response or heavy-lift missions.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a vital role in optimising battery selection for EVTOL applications. By modelling load profiles, thermal behaviour, and voltage response, engineers can predict how the Molicel P45B will perform under various conditions. For instance, simulating the thermal rise during high discharge scenarios allows for the identification of potential overheating issues before they occur. This predictive capability is essential for ensuring that the selected battery can safely handle the demands of its intended application. Furthermore, accurate modelling of usable energy helps in determining the effective flight time and range, which is critical for mission planning. By leveraging these simulations, designers can confidently select the Molicel P45B, knowing it meets the rigorous safety and performance standards required for EVTOL operations.
