Murata VTC5 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 fast charging in EVTOL applications, addressing overheating and lithium plating challenges effectively.
Value Propositions
Cylindrical 18650 form factor for versatile applications.
Nominal capacity of 9.36 Wh and 2.6 Ah for reliable performance.
Top-quartile volumetric energy density of 543 Wh/l for compact designs.
Maximum continuous discharge of 30 A, ensuring high performance under load.
Gravimetric power density of 2,438 W/kg, ideal for demanding UAV applications.
About the Cell
The Murata VTC5 is a cylindrical 18650 lithium-ion cell designed for high-performance applications, particularly in the EVTOL sector. With a nominal capacity of 9.36 Wh and 2.6 Ah, it provides reliable energy storage for various UAV designs. The cell boasts a volumetric energy density of 543 Wh/l, placing it in the top-quartile compared to the median of 542 Wh/l in the database. Its gravimetric energy density of 211 Wh/kg is also competitive, being around the median of 210 Wh/kg. The VTC5 supports a standard charge current of 2.5 A and a maximum continuous charge of 4.0 A, allowing for efficient charging cycles. Furthermore, it can handle a maximum continuous discharge of 30 A, which is among the highest in the database, ensuring it meets the demands of high-energy applications. The cell's volumetric power density of 6,265 W/l is exceptional, significantly exceeding the median of 2,029 W/l, making it suitable for rapid energy delivery in critical situations.
Application Challenges
In the EVTOL application, fast charging of batteries is crucial to ensure operational efficiency and safety. The challenge lies in charging the battery quickly without overheating the cells or causing lithium plating, which can degrade the battery and pose fire risks. The Murata VTC5 cell addresses these challenges with its high maximum continuous charge rate of 4.0 A, which is essential for rapid charging scenarios. Additionally, the cell's robust thermal management capabilities help prevent overheating, ensuring that the battery remains safe during high discharge rates. The ability to maintain performance under demanding conditions is vital for UAV operations, particularly in environments where reliability is paramount. By utilising the VTC5, operators can extend drone flight times and improve mission endurance while mitigating risks associated with battery overheating and degradation.
Why this Cell
The Murata VTC5 cell is specifically designed to meet the rigorous demands of fast charging in EVTOL applications. Its maximum continuous discharge of 30 A allows for high energy output, making it ideal for applications requiring rapid power delivery. This performance is complemented by its top-quartile volumetric energy density of 543 Wh/l, which enables compact battery designs without sacrificing energy capacity. Furthermore, the cell's gravimetric power density of 2,438 W/kg ensures that it can deliver high performance while remaining lightweight, a critical factor in UAV design. Compared to the median values in the database, the VTC5's capabilities position it as a leading choice for custom UAV battery packs, particularly in scenarios where weight and efficiency are crucial.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a pivotal role in optimising the performance of the Murata VTC5 cell for EVTOL applications. By simulating load profiles and thermal behaviour, engineers can predict how the cell will perform under various charging and discharging conditions. This includes modelling heat generation during fast charging, which is essential for preventing overheating and ensuring safety. Additionally, simulations can assess voltage sag and usable energy across different flight scenarios, allowing for informed decision-making when selecting battery configurations. By leveraging these insights, designers can optimise the battery pack for specific mission profiles, ensuring that the VTC5 cell delivers reliable performance while meeting the stringent requirements of UAV operations.
