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Molicel P50B 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.

Discover the Molicel P50B battery 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 18.0 Wh and 5.0 Ah for reliable energy supply.

  • Top-quartile volumetric power density of 8,441 W/l for rapid energy delivery.

  • Gravimetric energy density of 257 Wh/kg, enhancing flight efficiency.

  • Maximum continuous discharge of 60 A, suitable for high-demand applications.

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About the Cell

The Molicel P50B is a cylindrical 21700 battery with a nominal capacity of 18.0 Wh and 5.0 Ah, making it ideal for drone applications. With a volumetric energy density of 703 Wh/l, it ranks among the highest in the database, providing efficient energy storage in a compact form. Its gravimetric energy density of 257 Wh/kg also places it in the top quartile, ensuring that drones can operate efficiently without excessive weight. The battery's volumetric power density of 8,441 W/l allows for rapid energy delivery, crucial for applications requiring quick bursts of power. Furthermore, the maximum continuous discharge rate of 60 A and a maximum continuous charge rate of 25 A ensure that the battery can handle demanding operational requirements while maintaining safety and performance.

Application Challenges

In the context of drones, fast charging of batteries presents significant challenges. The primary concern is to charge the battery quickly without overheating the cells or causing lithium plating, which can degrade the battery's performance or even lead to safety hazards. The Molicel P50B addresses these challenges with its high maximum continuous charge rate of 25 A, allowing for efficient charging while minimising thermal risks. The battery's design also supports effective thermal management, which is essential for preventing overheating during rapid charge cycles. As drone technology advances, ensuring that batteries can be charged quickly and safely becomes increasingly critical, particularly for applications such as UAV battery pack design and lithium-ion cells for drones.

Why this Cell

The Molicel P50B is particularly suited for drone applications due to its impressive specifications. With a maximum continuous discharge rate of 60 A, it is positioned in the top quartile compared to the database median of 30 A, making it ideal for high-demand scenarios where rapid power delivery is essential. Additionally, its volumetric energy density of 703 Wh/l is significantly above the median, ensuring that drones can achieve longer flight times without compromising on payload capacity. The battery's design also facilitates effective thermal management, which is crucial for fast charging applications, as it helps prevent overheating and potential safety issues. This combination of high energy density and robust discharge capabilities makes the Molicel P50B an excellent choice for UAV battery optimisation.

How Model-Based Design Helps

Simulation and model-based design play a vital role in optimising battery performance for drone applications. By modelling load profiles and thermal behaviour, engineers can predict how the Molicel P50B will perform under various conditions, including rapid charging scenarios. This approach allows for the identification of potential issues such as voltage sag and heat generation, enabling designers to make informed decisions about battery selection and thermal management strategies. For instance, simulating the thermal rise during high discharge rates can help ensure that the battery operates within safe limits, preventing overheating and extending its lifespan. Furthermore, these simulations can assist in accurately predicting the state of charge (SoC) and ensuring reliable performance during critical missions. Overall, model-based design enhances the efficiency and safety of drone battery systems, making it an indispensable tool in the development of high-performance UAV battery packs.

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