Murata VTC5A Drones Safety and risk management - particularly around overheating and thermal runaway during flight.
Explore the Murata VTC5A cell for drones, designed for safety and risk management against overheating and thermal runaway during flight.
Value Propositions
Cylindrical 18650 form factor for compact design.
Nominal capacity of 9.36 Wh, ideal for drone applications.
Top-quartile volumetric power density of 7309 W/l for high performance.
Gravimetric energy density of 199 Wh/kg, supporting lightweight designs.
Maximum continuous discharge of 35 A, ensuring reliable power delivery.
About the Cell
The Murata VTC5A is a cylindrical 18650 lithium-ion cell with a nominal capacity of 9.36 Wh (2.6 Ah). It boasts a volumetric energy density of 543 Wh/l and a gravimetric energy density of 199 Wh/kg, making it suitable for high-performance applications such as drones. With a maximum continuous discharge of 35 A, it is positioned in the top-quartile of the database, providing robust power for demanding tasks. The cell's volumetric power density of 7309 W/l is also among the highest in the database, ensuring that it can deliver power efficiently during critical operations. This combination of features makes the VTC5A an excellent choice for UAV battery pack design, particularly where weight and performance are crucial.
Application Challenges
In the context of drones, safety and risk management are paramount, especially regarding overheating and thermal runaway during flight. Drones operate in various environments, and their batteries must perform reliably under different conditions. The VTC5A's high energy density and power capabilities are essential for extending flight times and ensuring that drones can complete their missions without the risk of battery failure. The challenge lies in managing the thermal characteristics of the battery during operation, as overheating can lead to catastrophic failures. Therefore, selecting the right cell, like the VTC5A, is critical for ensuring safe and efficient drone operations.
Why this Cell
The Murata VTC5A cell is particularly suited for drone applications due to its impressive specifications. With a maximum continuous discharge of 35 A, it is in the top-quartile compared to the database median of 30 A, ensuring that it can handle high current demands during flight. Additionally, its volumetric energy density of 543 Wh/l is around the median, providing a good balance between size and energy capacity. The cell's lightweight design, with a mass of only 47 g, allows for the creation of lightweight drone battery packs, which is crucial for improving UAV mission endurance. The combination of high energy density and robust discharge capabilities makes the VTC5A an ideal choice for drone battery cell selection.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a vital role in optimising the performance of the Murata VTC5A in drone applications. By modelling the thermal behaviour of the cell under various load profiles, engineers can predict how the battery will respond to different operational conditions. This includes assessing heat generation, voltage sag, and usable energy throughout the flight envelope. For instance, simulating the thermal rise during high discharge scenarios allows for the identification of potential overheating issues before they occur. This predictive capability is essential for ensuring that the selected cell meets the safety and performance requirements of drone operations, ultimately leading to more reliable and efficient UAV designs.
