Molicel P50S Weight v power trade off in pack design - how to pick the right balance.
Explore Molicel P50S for UAV battery optimisation, addressing weight vs power trade-offs in drone battery design for enhanced performance.
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 power density (+58% vs median W/kg) for brisk current draws.
Maximum continuous discharge of 100.0 A for demanding applications.
Volumetric energy density of 703.4 Wh/l, among the highest in the database.
About the Cell
The Molicel P50S is a cylindrical 21700 lithium-ion cell with a nominal capacity of 18.0 Wh (5.0 Ah). It boasts a volumetric energy density of 703.4 Wh/l, which is among the highest in the database, and a gravimetric energy density of 253.521 Wh/kg, placing it in the top quartile compared to the median of 210 Wh/kg. The cell supports a standard charge current of 5.0 A and a maximum continuous charge of 25.0 A, making it suitable for rapid charging applications. Additionally, it can handle a maximum continuous discharge of 100.0 A, which is essential for high-performance UAVs. The volumetric power density of 14,068 W/l is also impressive, being among the highest in the database, ensuring that the cell can deliver power efficiently when needed.
Application Challenges
In the context of EVTOL and the weight vs power trade-off in pack design, selecting the right battery cell is crucial. UAVs require batteries that not only provide sufficient energy for extended flight times but also maintain a lightweight profile to optimise payload capacity. The Molicel P50S addresses these challenges effectively, offering high energy density and power output to meet the demands of various UAV applications. The ability to balance weight and power is vital for ensuring that drones can perform their missions efficiently, whether for industrial inspections, surveying, or heavy-lift operations. The challenge lies in ensuring that the battery can deliver the required thrust and energy without compromising safety or performance, particularly in extreme environments.
Why this Cell
The Molicel P50S is an excellent choice for UAV applications due to its impressive specifications. With a maximum continuous discharge of 100.0 A, it is well-suited for high discharge rate UAV batteries, allowing for rapid acceleration and responsiveness. Its volumetric energy density of 703.4 Wh/l is among the highest in the database, ensuring that UAVs can achieve long endurance without excessive weight. This cell's gravimetric energy density of 253.521 Wh/kg also supports the need for lightweight drone battery packs, making it ideal for applications where every gram counts. The combination of these metrics allows for effective UAV battery optimisation, ensuring that operators can extend drone flight time while maintaining performance.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a critical role in optimising battery selection for UAVs. By simulating load profiles, thermal behaviour, and voltage response, engineers can predict how the Molicel P50S will perform under various conditions. This approach allows for accurate predictions of usable energy and thermal management, which are essential for preventing overheating and ensuring reliable operation. For instance, by modelling the thermal rise during high discharge scenarios, designers can select the P50S with confidence, knowing it will meet the demands of the mission profile. This method reduces the need for costly trial-and-error testing and enhances the overall design process, ensuring that the chosen cell will deliver the required performance in real-world applications.
