Molicel P50S Drone Battery for Aerospace: Weight v Power Trade Off in Pack Design - How to Pick the Right Balance
Explore the Molicel P50S drone battery, optimised for aerospace applications, balancing weight and power for enhanced performance in UAV designs.
Value Propositions
Cylindrical 21700 form factor for efficient design.
Nominal capacity of 18.0 Wh and 5.0 Ah for reliable performance.
Top-quartile volumetric energy density of 703 Wh/l for compact designs.
Maximum continuous discharge of 100 A for high power demands.
Gravimetric power density of 5070 W/kg, ideal for UAV applications.
About the Cell
The Molicel P50S is a cylindrical 21700 lithium-ion cell with a nominal capacity of 18.0 Wh (5.0 Ah). This cell features a volumetric energy density of 703 Wh/l, placing it in the top-quartile compared to the database median of 541.67 Wh/l, making it an excellent choice for applications requiring compact battery solutions. Its gravimetric energy density of 253.521 Wh/kg is also impressive, being significantly above the median of 210 Wh/kg. The cell supports a maximum continuous discharge of 100 A, which is among the highest in the database, ensuring that it can meet the high power demands of UAV applications. Additionally, the volumetric power density of 14068 W/l is exceptional, providing a robust solution for high-performance drone designs.
Application Challenges
In the aerospace sector, the challenge of balancing weight and power in UAV battery pack design is critical. The Molicel P50S addresses this by providing high energy density while maintaining a lightweight profile, which is essential for extending drone flight times and improving mission endurance. The ability to select the right battery cell is crucial for optimising UAV performance, especially in demanding environments where thermal management and energy efficiency are paramount. The weight versus power trade-off directly impacts the overall design and functionality of drone systems, making it vital to choose cells that can deliver reliable performance without adding unnecessary weight.
Why this Cell
The Molicel P50S is ideally suited for aerospace applications due to its high energy density and power capabilities. With a maximum continuous discharge of 100 A, it supports demanding applications such as heavy lift and long endurance missions. The cell's volumetric energy density of 703 Wh/l is significantly above the median, allowing for more compact battery designs without sacrificing performance. This makes it an excellent choice for UAV battery optimisation, where every gram counts. Furthermore, the gravimetric power density of 5070 W/kg ensures that the P50S can deliver the necessary power for high discharge rate UAV batteries, making it a reliable option for various drone applications.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a crucial role in optimising UAV battery pack performance. By simulating load profiles and thermal behaviour, engineers can accurately predict how the Molicel P50S will perform under various conditions. This includes modelling heat generation, voltage sag, and usable energy across different flight scenarios. Such simulations enable the selection of the most suitable battery cells for specific missions, ensuring that the UAV can achieve its operational goals without the risk of mid-air failures or overheating. This predictive capability is essential for making informed decisions about battery design and selection, ultimately leading to improved drone powertrain efficiency and mission success.
