Molicel P60B 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, designed for fast charging in EVTOL applications, ensuring safety and efficiency without overheating or degradation.
Value Propositions
Cylindrical 21700 form factor for compact design.
Nominal capacity of 21.6 Wh and 6.0 Ah for reliable energy delivery.
Top-quartile volumetric power density of 14,337 W/l for rapid energy transfer.
Maximum continuous discharge of 100 A, ideal for high-demand applications.
Gravimetric energy density of 288 Wh/kg, supporting lightweight UAV designs.
About the Cell
The Molicel P60B is a cylindrical 21700 cell with a nominal capacity of 21.6 Wh and 6.0 Ah, making it suitable for high-performance applications. It boasts a volumetric energy density of 860 Wh/l, which is around the median for similar cells, providing efficient space utilisation. The gravimetric energy density of 288 Wh/kg places it in the top-quartile compared to the database median of 210 Wh/kg, ensuring that UAVs can achieve longer flight times without adding excessive weight. With a maximum continuous discharge rate of 100 A, this cell is designed to handle the demanding power requirements of fast-charging applications. Additionally, its volumetric power density of 14,337 W/l is among the highest in the database, allowing for rapid energy transfer during critical operations.
Application Challenges
In EVTOL applications, fast charging of batteries is crucial to ensure minimal downtime and maximum operational efficiency. The challenge lies in charging the Molicel P60B quickly without overheating the cells or causing lithium plating, which can degrade performance and lead to safety hazards. The high standard charge current of 6.0 A and maximum continuous charge of 30.0 A are designed to facilitate rapid charging, but careful thermal management is essential to prevent overheating. This is particularly important in UAV applications where battery performance directly impacts flight time and mission success. The ability to charge quickly while maintaining safety standards is vital for extending drone flight time and improving overall mission endurance.
Why this Cell
The Molicel P60B is an excellent choice for EVTOL applications due to its impressive specifications. With a maximum continuous discharge rate of 100 A, it is well-suited for high-demand scenarios where rapid energy delivery is essential. The cell's gravimetric energy density of 288 Wh/kg is significantly above the database median, ensuring that UAVs can maintain lightweight designs while achieving high performance. Furthermore, the volumetric power density of 14,337 W/l allows for efficient energy transfer, making it ideal for fast charging applications. This combination of high energy density and power output ensures that the Molicel P60B can meet the rigorous demands of modern UAV operations while minimising the risk of overheating and degradation.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a critical role in optimising the performance of the Molicel P60B in EVTOL applications. By modelling load profiles and thermal behaviour, engineers can predict how the cell will perform under various charging conditions. This includes assessing heat generation during rapid charging and understanding voltage sag during high discharge scenarios. Such simulations enable the selection of the most suitable cells for specific missions, ensuring that the UAV can operate safely and efficiently. By accurately predicting the usable energy and thermal response, designers can avoid costly trial-and-error testing and enhance the overall reliability of the UAV battery system.
