Murata VTC5A 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 VTC5A cell for drones, designed for fast charging without overheating, ensuring safety and efficiency in UAV applications.
Value Propositions
Cylindrical 18650 form factor for compact design.
Nominal capacity of 9.36 Wh and 2.6 Ah for reliable energy delivery.
Top-quartile volumetric energy density of 543 Wh/l for lightweight applications.
Maximum continuous discharge of 35 A, ideal for high-performance UAVs.
Gravimetric power density of 2,681 W/kg, supporting rapid energy demands.
About the Cell
The Murata VTC5A is a cylindrical 18650 lithium-ion cell with a nominal capacity of 9.36 Wh and 2.6 Ah, making it suitable for various drone applications. With a volumetric energy density of 543 Wh/l, it ranks in the top-quartile compared to the database median of 542 Wh/l, ensuring efficient use of space in UAV designs. The cell also boasts a maximum continuous discharge of 35 A, which is significantly above the median of 30 A, allowing for high power output during demanding flight conditions. Its gravimetric energy density of 199 Wh/kg is competitive, providing a good balance between weight and energy storage. The VTC5A's volumetric power density of 7,309 W/l is among the highest in the database, facilitating quick energy delivery when needed, which is crucial for fast charging applications. This cell is designed to meet the rigorous demands of drone battery design, ensuring safety and performance in various operational scenarios.
Application Challenges
In the realm of drones, fast charging presents unique challenges. The need to charge batteries quickly without overheating or causing lithium plating is critical to maintaining battery health and safety. Overheating can lead to thermal runaway, while lithium plating can degrade performance and increase the risk of fire. The Murata VTC5A addresses these challenges with its high maximum continuous charge of 6 A, which is above the median of 8 A, allowing for rapid charging while managing thermal output effectively. This capability is essential for UAV battery pack design, where weight and efficiency are paramount. Additionally, the high energy density of the VTC5A supports long endurance missions, making it a suitable choice for applications requiring reliable performance under varying conditions. The challenge lies in balancing charge rates with thermal management to ensure safe operation during fast charging cycles.
Why this Cell
The Murata VTC5A cell is an excellent choice for drone applications due to its impressive specifications. With a maximum continuous discharge of 35 A, it is well-suited for high-demand scenarios, providing a top-quartile performance compared to the median of 30 A. This capability is vital for applications requiring quick bursts of power, such as takeoff and rapid manoeuvres. Furthermore, its volumetric energy density of 543 Wh/l ensures that drones can carry more energy without significantly increasing weight, which is crucial for extending flight times. The cell's design also incorporates advanced thermal management features, allowing it to handle fast charging without overheating, thus addressing the critical challenge of lithium plating. By utilising the VTC5A, UAV manufacturers can optimise battery performance while ensuring safety and reliability in their designs.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a crucial role in optimising the performance of the Murata VTC5A in drone applications. By modelling load profiles and thermal behaviour, engineers can predict how the cell will perform under various conditions, including rapid charging scenarios. This approach allows for the identification of potential overheating issues before they occur, ensuring that the cell operates within safe limits. For instance, simulations can help determine the optimal charge rate that maximises efficiency while minimising thermal rise, which is essential for preventing lithium plating. Additionally, by analysing voltage sag and usable energy across different flight profiles, designers can make informed decisions about battery pack configurations, ensuring that the VTC5A meets the specific needs of UAV applications. This data-driven approach not only enhances performance but also reduces the risk of costly failures in the field, making it an invaluable tool for drone battery R&D.
