Murata VTC5D Drones Mission feasibility assessment - asses what missions or use cases are possible or not using a go/no-go decision using simulation.
Explore the Murata VTC5D cell for drones, designed for mission feasibility assessment, ensuring optimal performance and reliability in critical applications.
Value Propositions
Cylindrical 18650 form factor for versatile integration.
Nominal capacity of 10.08 Wh and 2.8 Ah for reliable energy delivery.
Top-quartile volumetric energy density of 575 Wh/l for compact designs.
Maximum continuous discharge of 35 A, ideal for high-demand applications.
Gravimetric power density of 2,689 W/kg for efficient energy use.
About the Cell
The Murata VTC5D is a cylindrical 18650 lithium-ion cell with a nominal capacity of 10.08 Wh and 2.8 Ah. It boasts a volumetric energy density of 575 Wh/l, which is in the top-quartile compared to the median of 542 Wh/l in the database, making it suitable for applications requiring compact energy solutions. Additionally, its gravimetric energy density of 215 Wh/kg is around the median of 210 Wh/kg, ensuring a lightweight design without compromising performance. The cell supports a maximum continuous discharge of 35 A, which is significantly above the median of 30 A, allowing for high power demands typical in drone operations. Its volumetric power density of 7,184 W/l is among the highest in the database, providing excellent performance for rapid energy delivery. With a standard charge current of 2.7 A and a maximum continuous charge of 6 A, the VTC5D is designed for efficient charging cycles, making it ideal for mission-critical applications in drones.
Application Challenges
In the context of drones, mission feasibility assessment is crucial for determining which missions can be executed successfully. The Murata VTC5D cell addresses several challenges inherent in drone operations, such as ensuring adequate power supply for extended flight times and maintaining performance in various environmental conditions. The ability to deliver high energy density is vital for long endurance missions, while the maximum continuous discharge capability ensures that drones can handle peak power demands without risking battery failure. Furthermore, the lightweight design of the VTC5D helps improve overall drone efficiency, which is essential for applications like VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) and heavy-lift operations. Accurate simulation of battery performance under different conditions is necessary to predict mission success and avoid failures, especially in extreme environments where temperature fluctuations can impact battery efficiency.
Why this Cell
The Murata VTC5D cell is an excellent choice for drones due to its high energy density and robust discharge capabilities. With a volumetric energy density of 575 Wh/l, it allows for compact battery designs that do not compromise on performance, making it ideal for long endurance drone applications. The maximum continuous discharge of 35 A positions it in the top-quartile compared to the median of 30 A, ensuring that drones can perform demanding tasks without overheating or failing. Additionally, the gravimetric power density of 2,689 W/kg supports efficient energy use, which is critical for maintaining flight times and operational efficiency. This cell is particularly suited for UAV battery pack design, where balancing weight and power is essential for optimal performance in various mission profiles.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a crucial role in optimising the performance of the Murata VTC5D cell in drone applications. By simulating load profiles and thermal behaviour, engineers can predict how the cell will perform under different operational conditions, such as varying temperatures and states of charge (SoC). This predictive capability allows for accurate assessments of whether a drone can complete its mission without mid-air failures. For instance, modelling the thermal rise and voltage sag during high discharge scenarios helps in selecting the right cell for specific missions, ensuring that the drone can deliver the required thrust and energy throughout its flight. Furthermore, simulation aids in identifying the optimal charge and discharge rates, enhancing battery thermal management and overall UAV performance. This approach not only improves mission reliability but also reduces the need for costly trial-and-error testing, enabling faster development cycles for custom UAV battery packs.
