Murata VTC5D Drones Safety and risk management - particularly around overheating and thermal runaway during flight.
Explore the Murata VTC5D cell for drones, designed for safety and risk management, ensuring optimal performance and preventing overheating during flight.
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 applications.
Maximum continuous discharge of 35 A, ensuring high performance under load.
Gravimetric power density of 2,689 W/kg, ideal for demanding drone applications.
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. It boasts a volumetric energy density of 575 Wh/l, which is in the top-quartile compared to the database median of 541.67 Wh/l, making it an excellent choice for high energy density drone batteries. The gravimetric energy density stands at 215 Wh/kg, which is around the median of 210 Wh/kg, ensuring a lightweight solution for UAV applications. Additionally, the cell has a maximum continuous discharge rate of 35 A, which is significantly higher than the database median of 30 A, providing robust performance for demanding tasks. With a volumetric power density of 7,184 W/l, this cell is among the highest in the database, allowing for quick energy delivery when needed.
Application Challenges
In the context of drones, safety and risk management are paramount, particularly concerning overheating and thermal runaway during flight. Drones operate in various environments, and the ability to maintain optimal performance while preventing battery failure is critical. The Murata VTC5D's high energy density and robust discharge capabilities are essential for ensuring that drones can operate safely and effectively, especially during extended missions or in extreme conditions. The challenge lies in balancing energy output with thermal management to avoid overheating, which can lead to catastrophic failures. Therefore, selecting the right battery cell is crucial for enhancing UAV mission endurance and ensuring safe operation.
Why this Cell
The Murata VTC5D cell is specifically designed to meet the rigorous demands of drone applications. With a maximum continuous discharge of 35 A, it is positioned in the top-quartile compared to the database median of 30 A, ensuring that it can handle high power draws without overheating. Its volumetric energy density of 575 Wh/l is also a significant advantage, providing lightweight drone battery packs that do not compromise on performance. This cell's ability to deliver high energy output while maintaining thermal stability makes it an ideal choice for UAV battery optimization, particularly in safety-critical applications. The combination of high discharge rates and energy density allows for extended flight times, addressing the pain points of improving UAV mission endurance and preventing battery overheating.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a crucial role in optimising battery selection for drone applications. By simulating load profiles and thermal behaviour, engineers can predict how the Murata VTC5D will perform under various conditions. This includes modelling heat generation and voltage response during high discharge scenarios, which is essential for preventing thermal runaway. By using cell-specific data, designers can accurately assess the usable energy and predict the state of charge (SoC) throughout the flight. This predictive capability enables real-time decision-making, ensuring that drones can complete missions safely and efficiently. Furthermore, simulation helps in identifying the optimal charge and discharge rates, allowing for better battery thermal management and enhancing overall drone powertrain efficiency.
