Molicel P60B Drones Fast charge of the batteries - how to charge the battery quickly without overheating the cells or causing lithium plating which could degrade the battery or cause it to catch fire.
Discover the Molicel P60B cell for drones, designed for fast charging without overheating, ensuring safety and efficiency in UAV applications.
Value Propositions
Cylindrical 21700 form factor for compact design.
Nominal capacity of 21.6 Wh and 6.0 Ah for extended use.
Top-quartile volumetric power density of 14,337 W/l.
Maximum continuous discharge of 100 A for high performance.
Gravimetric energy density of 288 Wh/kg for lightweight applications.
About the Cell
The Molicel P60B features a cylindrical 21700 form factor, providing a nominal capacity of 21.6 Wh and 6.0 Ah. With a volumetric energy density of 860 Wh/l, it ranks among the highest in the database, ensuring efficient space utilisation. The cell also boasts a gravimetric energy density of 288 Wh/kg, which is significantly above the median of 210 Wh/kg, making it ideal for lightweight drone applications. Additionally, the volumetric power density of 14,337 W/l is top-quartile compared to the median of 2,029 W/l, allowing for rapid energy delivery. The maximum continuous discharge rate of 100 A, equivalent to 16.7 C, is also among the highest in the database, enabling high-performance applications in demanding environments. This combination of features makes the P60B an excellent choice for drone battery design and UAV battery pack design.
Application Challenges
In the realm of drones, fast charging of batteries is critical to ensure operational efficiency. The challenge lies in charging the battery quickly without overheating the cells or causing lithium plating, which can degrade the battery or even lead to fire hazards. The Molicel P60B addresses these challenges with its high maximum continuous charge rate of 30 A (5 C), allowing for rapid charging while maintaining thermal stability. This is particularly important in UAV applications where downtime must be minimised. The ability to manage thermal performance effectively is essential for extending drone flight time and improving UAV mission endurance, especially in extreme environments. By utilising high energy density drone batteries like the P60B, operators can achieve longer flight durations and enhanced performance without compromising safety.
Why this Cell
The Molicel P60B is specifically designed for fast charging applications in drones, with a maximum continuous charge rate of 30 A, which is significantly higher than the median of 8 A in the database. This enables rapid recharging while preventing overheating, a crucial factor in lithium-ion cells for drones. The cell's volumetric energy density of 860 Wh/l is also among the highest, allowing for lightweight drone battery packs that do not sacrifice performance. Furthermore, the high gravimetric power density of 4,800 W/kg ensures that the P60B can deliver power efficiently during demanding flight conditions, making it an ideal choice for custom UAV battery packs. The combination of these metrics ensures that the P60B can meet the rigorous demands of drone battery cell selection and UAV battery optimisation.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a pivotal role in optimising the performance of the Molicel P60B in drone applications. By modelling load profiles and thermal behaviour, engineers can predict how the cell will perform under various conditions, including rapid charging scenarios. This allows for accurate assessments of voltage sag and heat generation, ensuring that the battery can be charged quickly without risking lithium plating or overheating. Furthermore, simulation enables the identification of optimal charging strategies that maximise the cell's performance while maintaining safety. By leveraging cell-specific data, designers can make informed decisions about battery thermal management for drones, ultimately leading to improved UAV battery performance testing and enhanced drone powertrain efficiency. This approach not only reduces the risk of failure but also streamlines the design process, resulting in reliable and efficient battery solutions for UAV applications.
