Murata VTC5D 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 VTC5D 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 10.08 Wh and 2.8 Ah for reliable performance.
Volumetric energy density of 575 Wh/l, top-quartile vs median.
Maximum continuous discharge of 35 A, ensuring high power output.
Gravimetric power density of 2689 W/kg, among the highest in database.
About the Cell
The Murata VTC5D is a cylindrical 18650 lithium-ion cell designed specifically for drone applications. With a nominal capacity of 10.08 Wh and 2.8 Ah, it provides reliable energy storage for various UAV missions. The cell boasts a volumetric energy density of 575 Wh/l, which places it in the top-quartile compared to the median of 542 Wh/l in the database. Additionally, its gravimetric energy density of 215 Wh/kg is competitive, ensuring lightweight solutions for drone battery packs. The maximum continuous discharge rate of 35 A allows for high power output, making it suitable for demanding applications. Furthermore, the cell features a volumetric power density of 7184 W/l, which is among the highest in the database, providing excellent performance during rapid discharge scenarios. This combination of high energy and power density makes the VTC5D an ideal choice for drone battery design, particularly in applications requiring fast charging and high discharge rates.
Application Challenges
In the context of drones, the challenge of fast charging batteries is critical. Drones require batteries that can be charged quickly without overheating, which can lead to lithium plating and degradation of the cell. The Murata VTC5D addresses this challenge with its high maximum continuous charge rate of 6 A, allowing for efficient charging while maintaining safety. The lightweight design of the VTC5D, with a mass of only 46.85 g, contributes to overall drone performance, enabling longer flight times and improved mission endurance. The ability to manage thermal performance is crucial, as overheating can compromise battery integrity and safety. Therefore, effective battery thermal management is essential to prevent overheating during rapid charging cycles. The VTC5D's design and specifications make it a suitable candidate for UAV battery optimization, ensuring that drones can operate effectively in various environments without the risk of battery failure.
Why this Cell
The Murata VTC5D cell is particularly suited for drone applications due to its impressive specifications. With a maximum continuous discharge rate of 35 A, it supports high power demands, making it ideal for applications that require quick bursts of energy. This performance is complemented by its volumetric energy density of 575 Wh/l, which is in the top-quartile compared to the median of 542 Wh/l in the database. This means that the VTC5D can deliver more energy in a smaller volume, which is crucial for lightweight drone battery packs. Additionally, the cell's gravimetric power density of 2689 W/kg is among the highest in the database, ensuring that drones can achieve optimal power-to-weight ratios. These characteristics are essential for extending drone flight times and improving mission endurance, particularly in demanding scenarios such as heavy lift operations or long endurance missions. The VTC5D's ability to charge quickly without overheating further enhances its appeal for UAV applications, making it a reliable choice for drone battery cell selection.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a vital role in optimising battery performance for drone applications. By modelling load profiles, thermal behaviour, and voltage response, engineers can predict how the Murata VTC5D will perform under various conditions. This approach allows for accurate assessments of battery thermal management, ensuring that the cell operates within safe temperature limits during fast charging. Additionally, simulations can help identify the optimal charging rates that prevent overheating and lithium plating, which are critical for maintaining battery longevity and safety. By using cell-specific data, engineers can simulate real-world scenarios, enabling them to make informed decisions about battery selection and design. This predictive capability is essential for ensuring that drones can reliably complete missions without the risk of battery failure, particularly in challenging environments. Ultimately, model-based design enhances the efficiency of UAV battery performance testing and contributes to the development of safe, high-performance drone battery packs.
