Molicel P50S Safety and risk management - particularly around overheating and thermal runaway during flight.
Explore the Molicel P50S cell for UAV applications, addressing safety and thermal challenges with high energy density and performance.
Value Propositions
Cylindrical 21700 form factor for efficient design.
Nominal capacity of 18.0 Wh and 5.0 Ah for reliable energy supply.
Top-quartile volumetric energy density of 703 Wh/l for compact designs.
Maximum continuous discharge of 100 A for high-performance applications.
Gravimetric power density of 5070 W/kg for demanding UAV tasks.
About the Cell
The Molicel P50S is a cylindrical 21700 cell with a nominal capacity of 18.0 Wh and 5.0 Ah. It features a volumetric energy density of 703 Wh/l, which is in the top-quartile compared to the database median of 541.67 Wh/l, making it suitable for applications requiring compact energy solutions. The cell also boasts a maximum continuous discharge of 100 A, significantly above the database median of 30 A, ensuring it can handle high power demands. Additionally, its gravimetric energy density of 253.521 Wh/kg is well above the median of 210 Wh/kg, providing a lightweight option for UAV designs. This combination of high energy and power densities makes the P50S an ideal choice for drone battery design and UAV battery pack design.
Application Challenges
In the EVTOL sector, safety and risk management are paramount, particularly concerning overheating and thermal runaway during flight. The Molicel P50S addresses these challenges with its high energy density and robust discharge capabilities. The ability to deliver a maximum continuous discharge of 100 A ensures that the cell can meet the demanding power requirements of UAVs while maintaining thermal stability. This is crucial for preventing overheating, which can lead to catastrophic failures. Furthermore, the cell's high volumetric energy density allows for longer flight times, which is essential for missions that require extended endurance without compromising safety. As UAV applications evolve, the need for reliable and safe battery solutions becomes increasingly critical.
Why this Cell
The Molicel P50S is specifically designed to meet the rigorous demands of EVTOL applications. With a maximum continuous discharge rate of 100 A, it is positioned in the top-quartile compared to the database median of 30 A, making it suitable for high discharge rate UAV batteries. Its volumetric energy density of 703 Wh/l is also among the highest in the database, allowing for lightweight drone battery packs that do not sacrifice performance. This cell is ideal for applications requiring long endurance, such as fixed-wing UAV battery solutions and heavy lift drone batteries. The combination of high energy density and robust thermal management capabilities ensures that the P50S can effectively mitigate risks associated with overheating and thermal runaway, making it a reliable choice for UAV battery optimization.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a crucial role in selecting the right battery cell for UAV applications. By modelling load profiles, thermal behaviour, and voltage response, engineers can predict how the Molicel P50S will perform under various conditions. This approach allows for accurate assessments of heat generation and energy availability, ensuring that the cell can deliver the required thrust and energy throughout the flight envelope. For instance, simulations can help identify optimal charge and discharge rates, enabling UAV operators to make informed decisions about mission feasibility based on temperature and state of charge (SoC). By utilising cell-specific data, designers can avoid costly trial-and-error testing and confidently select the highest performing cell for their specific applications, ultimately enhancing drone powertrain efficiency and mission success.
