Murata VTC5 Drones Weight v power trade off in pack design - how to pick the right balance.
Explore the Murata VTC5 cell for drones, optimising weight and power trade-offs for efficient UAV battery pack design and performance.
Value Propositions
Cylindrical 18650 form factor for compact designs.|Nominal capacity of 9.36 Wh and 2.6 Ah for reliable energy supply.|Volumetric energy density of 543 Wh/l, around median for high energy needs.|Gravimetric energy density of 211 Wh/kg, top-quartile for lightweight applications.|Maximum continuous discharge of 30 A, among the highest in the database.
Designed for drone applications requiring high energy density and lightweight solutions.|Ideal for UAV battery pack design focusing on endurance and efficiency.|Supports various drone types, including VTOL and fixed-wing.|Optimised for high discharge rates, essential for demanding flight profiles.|Facilitates custom UAV battery packs tailored to specific mission needs.
Enables extended flight times, crucial for mission success in various environments.|Helps prevent overheating, ensuring safe operation during intense use.|Supports accurate state of charge (SoC) prediction for reliable performance.|Aids in battery thermal management, enhancing overall safety.|Provides a balance of weight and power for effective drone operation.
Utilises advanced lithium-ion technology for superior performance.|Offers a standard charge current of 2.5 A for efficient charging.|Maximum continuous charge of 4 A, ensuring quick turnaround times.|Standard discharge current of 2.5 A, suitable for sustained energy output.|High volumetric power density of 6265 W/l, ideal for rapid energy demands.
Perfect for applications requiring long endurance and high reliability.|Supports a variety of payloads, enhancing mission versatility.|Facilitates energy-efficient designs for drone manufacturers.|Optimises battery weight vs flight time for improved operational efficiency.|Ideal for custom battery design for drones, meeting specific requirements.
About the Cell
The Murata VTC5 is a cylindrical 18650 lithium-ion cell, featuring a nominal capacity of 9.36 Wh and 2.6 Ah. With a volumetric energy density of 543 Wh/l, it ranks around the median in the market, making it suitable for applications where space is at a premium. Its gravimetric energy density of 211 Wh/kg places it in the top-quartile, ensuring that drones can maintain a lightweight profile while still delivering substantial power. The cell's volumetric power density of 6265 W/l is among the highest in the database, allowing for quick bursts of energy when needed. With a maximum continuous discharge of 30 A, it is well-equipped to handle the demands of high-performance UAVs. This combination of features makes the VTC5 an excellent choice for drone battery design, particularly in applications where weight and power trade-offs are critical.
Application Challenges
In the realm of drone technology, the challenge of balancing weight and power in battery pack design is paramount. Drones require batteries that not only provide sufficient energy for extended flight times but also maintain a lightweight profile to enhance manoeuvrability and efficiency. The Murata VTC5 cell addresses these challenges effectively. With its high energy density, it supports long endurance missions, crucial for applications such as surveillance, delivery, and industrial inspections. The need for lightweight drone battery packs is further underscored by the increasing demand for UAVs in various sectors, including agriculture, logistics, and emergency services. As drone technology evolves, the ability to optimise battery performance while managing weight will be a key factor in the success of UAV operations.
Why this Cell
The Murata VTC5 cell is particularly well-suited for applications requiring a careful balance between weight and power. Its nominal capacity of 9.36 Wh and 2.6 Ah ensures that it can deliver reliable energy for various drone missions. The cell's volumetric energy density of 543 Wh/l is around the median, making it a competitive choice for drone manufacturers looking to optimise space without sacrificing performance. Additionally, its gravimetric energy density of 211 Wh/kg places it in the top-quartile, allowing for lightweight designs that do not compromise on power. The maximum continuous discharge of 30 A is among the highest in the database, enabling drones to perform demanding tasks without overheating or losing efficiency. This combination of features makes the VTC5 an ideal candidate for UAV battery optimisation, ensuring that drones can achieve their operational goals effectively.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a crucial role in the selection and optimisation of battery cells for drones. By modelling load profiles and thermal behaviour, engineers can predict how the Murata VTC5 cell will perform under various conditions. This includes assessing voltage sag, heat generation, and usable energy throughout the flight envelope. For instance, simulations can help determine the optimal charge and discharge rates, ensuring that the cell operates within safe limits while delivering the necessary power. Additionally, modelling can assist in predicting the state of charge (SoC) accurately, which is vital for mission planning and execution. By leveraging these advanced techniques, designers can confidently select the VTC5 cell, knowing it will meet the specific demands of their UAV applications.
