Molicel P50S Drone Application Weight v Power Trade Off in Pack Design - How to Pick the Right Balance
Discover the Molicel P50S cell for drones, optimising weight and power trade-offs for enhanced performance and endurance 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.
Top-quartile volumetric energy density at 703 Wh/l for efficient space usage.
Maximum continuous discharge of 100 A, ideal for high-demand UAV applications.
Gravimetric power density of 5070 W/kg, supporting rapid energy delivery.
About the Cell
The Molicel P50S is a cylindrical 21700 lithium-ion cell designed specifically for drone applications. With a nominal capacity of 18.0 Wh (5.0 Ah), it provides a robust energy supply for various UAV operations. Its volumetric energy density of 703 Wh/l places it in the top-quartile of the database, ensuring efficient use of space in battery packs. Additionally, the cell boasts a maximum continuous discharge rate of 100 A, making it suitable for high-demand scenarios such as heavy-lift drones. The gravimetric energy density of 253.521 Wh/kg further enhances its appeal, allowing for lightweight designs without sacrificing performance. Overall, the P50S is engineered to meet the rigorous demands of drone battery design, ensuring optimal performance and reliability in the field. Comparatively, its volumetric power density of 14068 W/l is among the highest in the database, supporting rapid energy delivery during critical flight phases.
Application Challenges
In the realm of drones, the challenge of balancing weight and power in battery pack design is paramount. The Molicel P50S cell addresses this challenge by providing a high energy density that allows for longer flight times without significantly increasing the weight of the UAV. This is crucial for applications such as long endurance missions and heavy lift operations, where every gram counts. The ability to optimise battery weight against power output directly impacts the drone's operational efficiency and mission success. Furthermore, the P50S's high discharge capabilities ensure that drones can perform demanding tasks without risking battery failure or overheating, making it an ideal choice for UAV battery pack design.
Why this Cell
The Molicel P50S cell stands out in the drone market due to its exceptional specifications tailored for UAV applications. With a maximum continuous discharge of 100 A, it is positioned in the top-quartile compared to the database median of 30 A, enabling drones to handle high power demands effectively. Additionally, its volumetric energy density of 703 Wh/l is significantly higher than the median of 541.667 Wh/l, allowing for more compact battery designs that do not compromise on performance. This cell is particularly advantageous for applications requiring lightweight drone battery packs, as its gravimetric power density of 5070 W/kg supports rapid energy delivery, essential for maintaining drone powertrain efficiency during flight. By choosing the Molicel P50S, designers can ensure that their UAVs achieve optimal performance while addressing the critical weight versus power trade-off.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a crucial role in optimising the performance of the Molicel P50S cell in drone applications. By modelling load profiles, engineers can predict how the cell will behave under various operational conditions, including thermal rise and voltage sag. This predictive capability allows for informed decisions when selecting battery cells, ensuring that the chosen cell meets the specific demands of the mission. For instance, simulations can identify the optimal discharge rates and energy usage patterns, helping to prevent issues such as overheating and ensuring accurate state-of-charge (SoC) predictions. Furthermore, by simulating different mission profiles, designers can optimise the battery pack configuration to maximise flight time and payload capacity, ultimately enhancing the overall efficiency of the UAV. This approach reduces reliance on trial-and-error testing, saving time and resources while improving the reliability of drone operations.
