Molicel P45B Weight v power trade off in pack design - how to pick the right balance.
Explore Molicel P45B's capabilities for drone battery design, optimising weight and power for UAV applications. Discover how it meets core challenges.
Value Propositions
Cylindrical 21700 form factor for efficient design.
Nominal capacity of 16.2 Wh and 4.5 Ah for reliable performance.
Top-quartile volumetric power density of 6,331 W/l for high energy demands.
Gravimetric energy density of 231 Wh/kg, ideal for lightweight applications.
Maximum continuous discharge of 45 A, ensuring robust performance.
About the Cell
The Molicel P45B is a cylindrical 21700 lithium-ion cell designed for high-performance applications in aerospace. With a nominal capacity of 16.2 Wh and 4.5 Ah, it provides reliable energy storage for UAVs. Its volumetric energy density of 633 Wh/l is among the highest in the database, significantly enhancing the design of lightweight drone battery packs. The gravimetric energy density of 231 Wh/kg positions it well for applications requiring high energy density, making it suitable for long endurance drone batteries. Additionally, the cell boasts a volumetric power density of 6,331 W/l, which is top-quartile compared to the median of 2,029 W/l, allowing for brisk current draws during demanding flight operations. The maximum continuous discharge rate of 45 A (10 C) ensures that the P45B can handle high power demands without compromising safety or performance.
Application Challenges
In the aerospace sector, the challenge of balancing weight and power in UAV battery pack design is critical. The Molicel P45B addresses the need for lightweight drone battery packs that do not sacrifice performance. As UAVs are often required to operate in extreme environments, the ability to extend drone flight time is paramount. The P45B's high energy density and robust discharge capabilities allow for improved UAV mission endurance, making it an ideal choice for applications such as long endurance drone batteries and heavy lift drone batteries. Furthermore, effective battery thermal management is essential to prevent overheating, ensuring safe battery packs for UAVs. The P45B's design facilitates accurate state of charge (SoC) prediction, which is crucial for mission planning and reliability.
Why this Cell
The Molicel P45B is specifically designed to meet the demands of aerospace applications where weight versus power trade-offs are crucial. With a maximum continuous charge rate of 13.5 A (3 C), it allows for rapid charging, which is essential for operational efficiency. The cell's gravimetric energy density of 231 Wh/kg is around the median of 210 Wh/kg in the database, ensuring that it provides a competitive edge in energy storage solutions for UAVs. Additionally, the high volumetric power density of 6,331 W/l allows for effective UAV battery optimisation, making it suitable for applications requiring high discharge rates. This combination of features makes the P45B an excellent choice for custom UAV battery packs that need to balance performance and weight.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a vital role in optimising the performance of the Molicel P45B 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 extreme temperatures. This predictive capability allows for the selection of the most suitable battery cells for specific missions, ensuring that the UAV can deliver the required thrust and energy throughout its flight envelope. For instance, simulating the thermal rise during continuous discharge helps in identifying potential overheating issues, enabling the design of effective battery thermal management systems. Furthermore, using cell-specific data to model voltage sag and usable energy ensures that operators can make informed decisions about mission feasibility, particularly in challenging environments. Overall, simulation enhances the reliability and efficiency of UAV battery design, leading to improved operational outcomes.
