Murata VTC5 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 Murata VTC5 cell for drones, designed for fast charging without overheating, ensuring safety and performance in demanding applications.
Value Propositions
Cylindrical 18650 form factor for compact design.
Nominal capacity of 9.36 Wh and 2.6 Ah for reliable energy storage.
Top-quartile volumetric energy density of 543 Wh/l for efficient space utilisation.
Maximum continuous discharge of 30 A, ensuring high performance under load.
Gravimetric power density of 2,438 W/kg, ideal for rapid energy delivery.
About the Cell
The Murata VTC5 cell is a cylindrical 18650 lithium-ion battery with a nominal capacity of 9.36 Wh and 2.6 Ah. It boasts a volumetric energy density of 543 Wh/l, placing it in the top-quartile compared to the database median of 542 Wh/l. The cell's gravimetric energy density is 211 Wh/kg, which is around the median of 210 Wh/kg. With a maximum continuous discharge rate of 30 A, this cell is designed for high-performance applications, particularly in drone technology where rapid energy delivery is crucial. Additionally, the volumetric power density of 6,265 W/l is among the highest in the database, significantly enhancing the cell's capability to support demanding power requirements. The standard charge current of 2.5 A and maximum continuous charge current of 4.0 A ensure efficient charging without compromising safety, making it suitable for fast charging applications. Overall, the VTC5 cell is engineered to meet the rigorous demands of modern drone operations.
Application Challenges
In the context of drones, fast charging presents unique challenges. The primary concern is to charge the battery quickly without overheating the cells or causing lithium plating, which can degrade the battery's performance and safety. High energy density is essential for extending flight times, while rapid charging capabilities are crucial for operational efficiency. The Murata VTC5 cell addresses these challenges with its high maximum continuous discharge rate of 30 A, allowing for quick energy delivery during demanding flight scenarios. Additionally, the cell's robust thermal management characteristics help mitigate overheating risks, ensuring safe operation even under high load conditions. As drones are increasingly used in critical applications, such as surveillance and emergency response, the ability to charge batteries rapidly while maintaining safety is paramount.
Why this Cell
The Murata VTC5 cell is particularly well-suited for drone applications due to its impressive specifications. With a maximum continuous discharge of 30 A, it is positioned in the top-quartile compared to the database median of 30 A, allowing for high power output necessary for rapid acceleration and manoeuvrability. Its volumetric energy density of 543 Wh/l is also notable, providing significant energy storage within a compact form factor, which is essential for lightweight drone designs. Furthermore, the cell's gravimetric power density of 2,438 W/kg ensures that it can deliver energy quickly, which is critical for fast charging scenarios. These features make the VTC5 an ideal choice for UAV battery pack design, enabling engineers to optimise drone performance while ensuring safety and reliability.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a crucial role in optimising the performance of the Murata VTC5 cell in drone applications. By simulating load profiles, engineers can accurately predict how the cell will behave under various operational conditions, including rapid charging and high discharge scenarios. This modelling allows for the assessment of thermal rise and voltage sag, which are critical factors in preventing overheating and ensuring battery longevity. For instance, by analysing the thermal behaviour of the VTC5 cell during fast charging, designers can implement effective thermal management strategies to mitigate risks associated with lithium plating. Additionally, simulation enables the evaluation of usable energy across different flight profiles, ensuring that the selected cell meets the specific energy demands of the mission. This data-driven approach not only enhances the reliability of drone operations but also reduces the need for costly trial-and-error testing, ultimately leading to more efficient UAV battery optimisation.
