Murata VTC5A Safety and risk management - particularly around overheating and thermal runaway during flight.
Explore the Murata VTC5A cell for UAV applications, optimising safety and performance while managing thermal risks during flight.
Value Propositions
Cylindrical 18650 form factor with a nominal capacity of 9.36 Wh.
Standard charge current of 2.5 A, ensuring efficient energy replenishment.
Maximum continuous discharge of 35.0 A, top-quartile vs median 30 A.
Gravimetric energy density of 199 Wh/kg, around median vs database.
Volumetric power density of 7309 W/l, +62% vs database median of 2029 W/l.
About the Cell
The Murata VTC5A is a cylindrical 18650 lithium-ion cell, featuring a nominal capacity of 9.36 Wh and a nominal charge capacity of 2.6 Ah. With a volumetric energy density of 543 Wh/l, it stands out in the market, being around the median for similar cells. The gravimetric energy density is 199 Wh/kg, which is also around the median. The cell supports a standard charge current of 2.5 A and a maximum continuous charge of 6.0 A, making it suitable for various UAV applications. Its high volumetric power density of 7309 W/l allows for brisk current draws, ensuring that the cell can deliver the necessary power during critical flight phases. This combination of features positions the VTC5A as a strong candidate for drone battery design.
Application Challenges
In the context of EVTOL applications, safety and risk management are paramount, particularly concerning overheating and thermal runaway during flight. The VTC5A's specifications are crucial in addressing these challenges. The maximum continuous discharge of 35.0 A ensures that the cell can handle high power demands without overheating, which is essential for maintaining safe operation during intense flight conditions. Additionally, the cell's high energy density allows for longer flight times, which is critical for mission success in UAV operations. By optimising battery performance, operators can extend drone flight time and improve mission endurance, while also preventing overheating issues that could lead to catastrophic failures.
Why this Cell
The Murata VTC5A cell is particularly well-suited for EVTOL applications due to its impressive specifications. With a maximum continuous discharge of 35.0 A, it ranks in the top-quartile compared to the median of 30 A in the database, ensuring it can meet the high power demands of UAVs during critical operations. Its volumetric energy density of 543 Wh/l is also noteworthy, providing a balance of lightweight design and high energy output. This is essential for drone battery optimisation, as it allows for the development of lightweight drone battery packs that do not compromise on performance. Furthermore, the cell's robust thermal management capabilities help prevent overheating, making it a reliable choice for safety-focused applications.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a crucial role in optimising the performance of the Murata VTC5A cell for UAV applications. By modelling load profiles and thermal behaviour, engineers can predict how the cell will perform under various conditions, including high discharge rates and temperature fluctuations. This predictive capability allows for the selection of the most suitable cells for specific missions, ensuring that the UAV can operate safely and efficiently. For instance, simulations can help identify potential overheating issues before they occur, allowing for proactive measures to be taken. Additionally, by analysing voltage sag and usable energy, designers can optimise battery pack configurations to maximise flight time and reliability, ultimately enhancing the overall performance of the UAV.
