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Molicel P50B Drones Safety and risk management - particularly around overheating and thermal runaway during flight.

Explore the Molicel P50B battery for drones, designed for safety and risk management, ensuring optimal performance and reliability during flight.

Value Propositions

  • Cylindrical 21700 form factor for compact design.

  • Nominal capacity of 18.0 Wh and 5.0 Ah for extended flight time.

  • Top-quartile power density (+58% vs median W/kg) for brisk current draws.

  • Maximum continuous discharge of 60.0 A for high-performance applications.

  • Volumetric energy density of 703.4 Wh/l for efficient space utilisation.

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About the Cell

The Molicel P50B is a cylindrical 21700 battery cell with a nominal capacity of 18.0 Wh and 5.0 Ah, making it ideal for drone applications. It boasts a volumetric energy density of 703.4 Wh/l, which is significantly above the database median of 541.667 Wh/l, providing an efficient solution for long endurance drone batteries. The gravimetric energy density of 257.143 Wh/kg also positions it well within the top-quartile range, ensuring lightweight drone battery packs that do not compromise on performance. With a maximum continuous discharge rate of 60.0 A, this cell is designed to handle high power demands, making it suitable for UAV battery pack design that requires rapid energy delivery. Additionally, the volumetric power density of 8440.8 W/l is among the highest in the database, allowing for exceptional performance during critical flight operations.

Application Challenges

In the realm of drones, safety and risk management are paramount, particularly concerning overheating and thermal runaway during flight. The Molicel P50B addresses these challenges by providing a robust battery solution that can withstand the rigours of demanding applications. The high energy density ensures that drones can achieve longer flight times, which is crucial for missions that require extended operational periods. Furthermore, the ability to manage high discharge rates effectively mitigates the risk of thermal issues, ensuring that the battery remains safe under various load conditions. This is particularly important for applications such as heavy lift drones and VTOL drone battery pack design, where the stakes are high and reliability is non-negotiable.

Why this Cell

The Molicel P50B cell is specifically engineered for drone applications, offering a maximum continuous discharge rate of 60.0 A, which is significantly above the database median of 30 A. This capability allows for high discharge rate UAV batteries that can handle the intense demands of flight without overheating. The cell's volumetric energy density of 703.4 Wh/l, which exceeds the median of 541.667 Wh/l, ensures that drones can carry more payload while maintaining efficiency. This is essential for custom UAV battery packs designed for specific mission profiles, where every gram counts. Additionally, the gravimetric power density of 3085.71 W/kg places it in the top-quartile, making it an excellent choice for applications that require rapid energy delivery without compromising safety.

How Model-Based Design Helps

Simulation and model-based design play a crucial role in optimising the performance of the Molicel P50B in drone 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 UAVs, ensuring that the chosen cell can deliver the required thrust and energy throughout the entire flight envelope. Furthermore, simulations can help identify potential overheating issues before they occur, enabling proactive measures to prevent thermal runaway. This approach not only enhances safety but also improves UAV mission endurance by ensuring that the battery operates within its optimal parameters, thus extending flight times and reducing the risk of mid-air failures.

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