Murata VTC5D Drones Maximise flight time - optimise the cell selection, duty cycle and flight speed to maximise flight time.
Discover the Murata VTC5D cell for drones, designed to maximise flight time and optimise performance in demanding applications.
Value Propositions
Cylindrical 18650 form factor for compact design.
Nominal capacity of 10.08 Wh and 2.8 Ah for reliable energy supply.
Top-quartile volumetric energy density of 575 Wh/l for lightweight drone battery packs.
Maximum continuous discharge of 35 A, ensuring high discharge rate UAV batteries.
Gravimetric power density of 2,689 W/kg, ideal for drone endurance.
About the Cell
The Murata VTC5D is a cylindrical 18650 lithium-ion cell, featuring a nominal capacity of 10.08 Wh and 2.8 Ah. Its volumetric energy density stands at 575 Wh/l, which is around the median of 541.67 Wh/l in the database, making it a strong contender for applications requiring high energy density. The gravimetric energy density is 215 Wh/kg, slightly above the median of 210 Wh/kg, providing an efficient weight-to-energy ratio. With a maximum continuous discharge rate of 35 A, this cell is positioned in the top-quartile compared to the median of 30 A, ensuring it meets the demands of high-performance drone applications. Additionally, the volumetric power density of 7,184 W/l is among the highest in the database, supporting rapid energy delivery during critical flight phases. The cell's design prioritises both energy efficiency and thermal management, making it suitable for various UAV applications.
Application Challenges
In the context of drones, maximising flight time is crucial. The Murata VTC5D cell addresses this challenge by optimising cell selection, duty cycle, and flight speed. Drones often operate in demanding environments where energy efficiency directly impacts mission success. The ability to extend drone flight time is essential for applications such as industrial inspections, where every minute of airtime counts. The VTC5D's high energy density and discharge capabilities allow for longer missions without compromising safety or performance. Furthermore, effective battery thermal management is vital to prevent overheating, which can lead to mission failure. The VTC5D's design mitigates these risks, ensuring reliable operation in various conditions.
Why this Cell
The Murata VTC5D cell is an excellent choice for drone applications focused on maximising flight time. Its nominal capacity of 10.08 Wh and maximum continuous discharge of 35 A ensure that it can handle demanding power requirements. The cell's volumetric energy density of 575 Wh/l is top-quartile compared to the median of 541.67 Wh/l, making it ideal for lightweight drone battery packs. Additionally, the gravimetric power density of 2,689 W/kg is significantly above the median of 750 W/kg, allowing for efficient energy use during flight. These metrics highlight the VTC5D's capability to support long endurance missions while maintaining optimal performance under varying load conditions. The combination of high energy density and robust discharge rates positions this cell as a leader in UAV battery optimisation.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a critical role in optimising the performance of the Murata VTC5D cell for drone applications. By modelling load profiles, engineers can predict how the cell will behave under different flight conditions, including varying speeds and payloads. This predictive capability allows for accurate assessments of thermal rise and voltage sag, ensuring that the cell operates within safe limits. For instance, simulations can identify the optimal duty cycle that maximises flight time while preventing overheating. Additionally, using cell-specific data, engineers can simulate scenarios such as low state of charge (SoC) and extreme temperatures, enabling real-time decision-making for mission feasibility. This approach not only enhances the reliability of drone operations but also reduces the need for costly trial-and-error testing, ultimately leading to more efficient UAV battery pack design.
