Murata VTC5 Drones Safety and risk management - particularly around overheating and thermal runaway during flight.
Explore the Murata VTC5 cell for drones, designed for safety and performance, addressing overheating and thermal runaway challenges in flight.
Value Propositions
Cylindrical 18650 form factor for compact design.
Nominal capacity of 9.36 Wh and 2.6 Ah for reliable energy.
Volumetric energy density of 543 Wh/l, top-quartile vs median.
Gravimetric power density of 2,438 W/kg, among the highest in database.
Maximum continuous discharge of 30 A, top-quartile vs median.
About the Cell
The Murata VTC5 cell is a cylindrical 18650 lithium-ion battery designed for drone applications. With a nominal capacity of 9.36 Wh (2.6 Ah), it offers a robust energy solution for UAVs. The cell features a volumetric energy density of 543 Wh/l, which is in the top-quartile compared to the database median of 542 Wh/l. Its gravimetric energy density stands at 211 Wh/kg, which is around the median of 210 Wh/kg. The cell also boasts a volumetric power density of 6,265 W/l, which is among the highest in the database, ensuring that it can deliver power efficiently during demanding flight operations. Additionally, the maximum continuous discharge rate of 30 A places it in the top-quartile compared to the median of 30 A, making it suitable for high-performance drone applications.
Application Challenges
In the context of drones, safety and risk management are paramount, particularly concerning overheating and thermal runaway during flight. The Murata VTC5 cell addresses these challenges by providing a high energy density solution that allows for extended flight times while maintaining safety. The ability to manage thermal performance is critical, especially in high-stress environments where drones operate. The nominal capacity of 9.36 Wh ensures that drones can complete their missions without the risk of battery failure due to overheating. Furthermore, the high discharge rates of the VTC5 cell enable it to handle sudden power demands without compromising safety, which is essential for UAVs operating in extreme conditions.
Why this Cell
The Murata VTC5 cell is an ideal choice for drone applications due to its impressive specifications. With a maximum continuous discharge of 30 A, it is in the top-quartile compared to the median of 30 A, allowing for high performance during critical operations. Its volumetric energy density of 543 Wh/l is also noteworthy, being in the top-quartile compared to the median of 542 Wh/l, which means drones can achieve longer flight times without increasing weight. The cell's design prioritises safety, making it suitable for applications where overheating and thermal runaway are significant concerns. This combination of high energy density and robust thermal management capabilities makes the VTC5 a reliable choice for UAV battery pack design.
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, thermal behaviour, and voltage response, engineers can accurately predict how the cell will perform under various conditions. This approach allows for the identification of potential overheating issues before they occur, ensuring that the cell operates safely within its thermal limits. Additionally, modelling usable energy and internal temperature rise helps in selecting the best cell for specific mission profiles, ultimately enhancing the overall efficiency of the drone's powertrain. This predictive capability is essential for ensuring that UAVs can reliably complete their missions without the risk of battery failure.
