Murata VTC5A 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, designed for fast charging in EVTOL applications, ensuring safety and efficiency without overheating or degradation.
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 35 A, ensuring high performance under load.
Gravimetric power density of 2,681 W/kg, ideal for lightweight UAV designs.
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, placing it in the top-quartile compared to the database median of 542 Wh/l. The cell's gravimetric energy density is 199 Wh/kg, which is around the median of 210 Wh/kg. With a maximum continuous discharge rate of 35 A, the VTC5A is designed to handle demanding applications, making it suitable for UAVs and drone battery packs. Its volumetric power density of 7,309 W/l is among the highest in the database, significantly enhancing performance for fast charging scenarios. This cell is engineered for efficiency, ensuring that it meets the rigorous demands of modern drone applications.
Application Challenges
In EVTOL applications, fast charging of batteries is critical 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 or lead to catastrophic failures. The Murata VTC5A addresses these challenges with its robust design and high discharge capabilities. The ability to manage thermal performance during rapid charging is essential, as overheating can compromise battery integrity and safety. Therefore, selecting the right cell, like the VTC5A, is crucial for optimising UAV battery pack design and ensuring long endurance in demanding environments.
Why this Cell
The Murata VTC5A cell is particularly suited for fast charging in EVTOL applications due to its impressive specifications. With a maximum continuous charge rate of 6 A (2.3 C), it allows for rapid energy replenishment while maintaining safety standards. Its volumetric energy density of 543 Wh/l is top-quartile compared to the median, ensuring that more energy can be stored in a compact form. Additionally, the cell's maximum continuous discharge of 35 A supports high power demands, making it ideal for applications requiring quick bursts of energy. This combination of features makes the VTC5A an excellent choice for drone battery cell selection, particularly in high-performance UAV battery optimisation scenarios.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a crucial role in optimising the performance of the Murata VTC5A cell in EVTOL applications. By modelling load profiles and thermal behaviour, engineers can predict how the cell will perform under various charging conditions. This includes assessing heat generation during rapid charging and understanding voltage sag under load. Such simulations enable the selection of the most suitable cells for specific missions, ensuring that the VTC5A can deliver reliable performance without overheating. By accurately predicting usable energy and thermal rise, designers can confidently implement the VTC5A in UAV battery packs, enhancing overall efficiency and safety.
