Molicel P50B Drones Weight v power trade off in pack design - how to pick the right balance.
Explore the Molicel P50B cell for drones, optimising weight and power trade-offs for enhanced performance in UAV applications.
Value Propositions
Cylindrical 21700 form factor for compact design.
Nominal capacity of 18.0 Wh and 5.0 Ah for reliable energy supply.
Volumetric energy density of 703 Wh/l, top-quartile vs median.
Gravimetric power density of 3085 W/kg, among the highest in database.
Maximum continuous discharge of 60 A, top-quartile vs median.
About the Cell
The Molicel P50B is a cylindrical 21700 lithium-ion cell designed for drone applications. With a nominal capacity of 18.0 Wh and 5.0 Ah, it provides a reliable energy source for UAVs. The cell boasts a volumetric energy density of 703 Wh/l, which is in the top-quartile compared to the median of 541.67 Wh/l in the database. Additionally, its gravimetric energy density of 257.14 Wh/kg is significantly higher than the median of 210 Wh/kg, making it a strong contender for high energy density drone batteries. The volumetric power density of 8440.8 W/l places it among the highest in the database, ensuring that it can deliver power efficiently when needed. Furthermore, the maximum continuous discharge current of 60 A positions it in the top-quartile compared to the median of 30 A, allowing for robust performance in demanding applications.
Application Challenges
In the context of drones, the challenge of balancing weight and power in battery pack design is critical. UAVs require lightweight battery solutions that do not compromise on energy output or flight time. The Molicel P50B addresses these challenges effectively, providing high energy density and power output, which are essential for long endurance missions. The ability to optimise the weight versus power trade-off is vital for applications such as VTOL drone battery pack design and heavy lift drone batteries, where every gram counts towards payload capacity and flight efficiency. Furthermore, ensuring that the battery can operate safely under various conditions is paramount, particularly in extreme environments where overheating can be a concern.
Why this Cell
The Molicel P50B cell is particularly suited for drone applications due to its impressive specifications. With a maximum continuous charge rate of 25 A, it allows for rapid recharging, which is crucial for maintaining operational readiness. The cell's gravimetric power density of 3085.71 W/kg is among the highest in the database, ensuring that it can handle high discharge rates without overheating. This is particularly important for UAV battery optimisation, where maintaining performance under load is essential. Additionally, the volumetric energy density of 703.4 Wh/l positions it as a leading choice for lightweight drone battery packs, enabling longer flight times without adding unnecessary weight. The combination of these features makes the Molicel P50B an excellent choice for custom UAV battery packs.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a crucial role in optimising battery performance for drone applications. By simulating load profiles, thermal behaviour, and voltage response, engineers can accurately predict how the Molicel P50B will perform under various conditions. This approach allows for the identification of the optimal charge and discharge rates, ensuring that the battery can deliver the required power without risking overheating. For instance, modelling the thermal rise during high discharge scenarios helps in selecting the right cell for applications that demand high energy output, such as heavy-lift missions. Furthermore, simulation aids in predicting usable energy across different flight profiles, enabling better mission planning and battery management strategies. This predictive capability is essential for ensuring that UAVs can reliably complete their missions, particularly in challenging environments.
