Murata VTC5 Safety and risk management - particularly around overheating and thermal runaway during flight.
Discover the Murata VTC5 cell for EVTOL applications, addressing safety and thermal challenges in drone battery design with high energy density.
Value Propositions
Cylindrical 18650 form factor for versatile applications.
Nominal capacity of 9.36 Wh and 2.6 Ah for reliable energy supply.
Top-quartile volumetric energy density of 543 Wh/l for compact designs.
Maximum continuous discharge of 30.0 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 cell is designed in a cylindrical 18650 form factor, providing a nominal capacity of 9.36 Wh and 2.6 Ah. This cell boasts a volumetric energy density of 543 Wh/l, placing it 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's volumetric power density is an impressive 6,265 W/l, significantly above the median of 2,029 W/l, making it suitable for high-demand applications. Additionally, the maximum continuous discharge rate of 30.0 A is among the highest in the database, allowing for robust performance in critical scenarios. With a standard charge current of 2.5 A and a maximum continuous charge current of 4.0 A, the VTC5 is well-equipped for efficient energy management.
Application Challenges
In EVTOL applications, safety and risk management are paramount, particularly concerning overheating and thermal runaway during flight. The Murata VTC5 cell's high energy density is crucial for extending drone flight times while maintaining safety standards. The ability to manage thermal performance is vital, as overheating can lead to catastrophic failures. With a maximum continuous discharge of 30.0 A, the VTC5 can handle demanding operational profiles without compromising safety. The challenge lies in ensuring that the battery can sustain high discharge rates while maintaining a safe operating temperature, especially in extreme environments where thermal management becomes critical.
Why this Cell
The Murata VTC5 cell is an excellent choice for EVTOL applications due to its high energy density and robust performance metrics. With a volumetric energy density of 543 Wh/l, it allows for lightweight drone battery packs that do not sacrifice power. The maximum continuous discharge rate of 30.0 A positions it in the top-quartile compared to the median of 30 A, ensuring that it can meet the high demands of UAV operations. Furthermore, the cell's gravimetric power density of 2,438 W/kg is ideal for applications requiring quick bursts of power, making it suitable for various UAV missions. This combination of features addresses the critical challenges of safety and thermal management in drone battery design.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a crucial role in optimising the performance of the Murata VTC5 cell for EVTOL applications. By modelling load profiles and thermal behaviour, engineers can predict how the cell will perform under various conditions, including high discharge rates and extreme temperatures. This predictive capability allows for the selection of the most suitable cells for specific missions, ensuring that thermal runaway is avoided and that the battery operates within safe limits. For instance, simulations can identify the optimal charge and discharge rates, helping to prevent overheating during critical flight phases. This approach not only enhances safety but also improves overall mission reliability, allowing operators to make informed decisions about battery usage and mission planning.
