Murata VTC5D Weight v power trade off in pack design - how to pick the right balance.
Discover the Murata VTC5D cell for UAV applications, optimising weight and power for enhanced drone performance and endurance.
Value Propositions
Cylindrical 18650 form factor for versatile applications.
Nominal capacity of 10.08 Wh and 2.8 Ah for reliable energy supply.
High volumetric energy density of 575 Wh/l for compact designs.
Top-quartile gravimetric power density (+25% vs median 750 W/kg) for efficient energy delivery.
Maximum continuous discharge of 35 A supports demanding UAV applications.
About the Cell
The Murata VTC5D is a cylindrical 18650 lithium-ion cell designed for UAV applications, featuring a nominal capacity of 10.08 Wh and 2.8 Ah. With a volumetric energy density of 575 Wh/l, it allows for compact battery designs without sacrificing performance. The cell's gravimetric energy density stands at 215 Wh/kg, making it suitable for high energy density drone batteries. Additionally, it boasts a maximum continuous discharge of 35 A, placing it in the top-quartile compared to the database median of 30 A, ensuring it can handle demanding power requirements. The cell's volumetric power density of 7184 W/l is also among the highest in the database, providing excellent performance for rapid current draws. This combination of features makes the VTC5D an ideal choice for UAV battery pack design, particularly in applications where weight and power trade-offs are critical.
Application Challenges
In the context of EVTOL and the weight vs power trade-off in pack design, the Murata VTC5D cell addresses several key challenges. UAVs require batteries that not only provide sufficient energy for extended flight times but also maintain a lightweight profile to enhance overall efficiency. The challenge lies in selecting the right cell that balances these two factors effectively. The VTC5D's high energy density allows for longer endurance, which is crucial for applications such as long endurance drone batteries and heavy lift drone batteries. Furthermore, the ability to manage thermal performance is essential to prevent overheating, especially during high discharge scenarios. The VTC5D's specifications ensure that it meets these demands, making it a reliable choice for UAV battery optimisation.
Why this Cell
The Murata VTC5D cell is particularly well-suited for the EVTOL application due to its impressive specifications. With a maximum continuous discharge rate of 35 A, it is positioned in the top-quartile compared to the median of 30 A, ensuring it can support high discharge rate UAV batteries effectively. Additionally, its volumetric energy density of 575 Wh/l is significantly above the database median of 542 Wh/l, allowing for lightweight drone battery packs that do not compromise on performance. The cell's gravimetric power density of 2689 W/kg also supports efficient energy delivery, making it an excellent choice for applications where battery weight directly impacts flight time. These features collectively enable UAV designers to optimise their battery packs for both performance and endurance.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a crucial role in selecting the right battery cell for UAV applications like the Murata VTC5D. By modelling load profiles and thermal behaviour, engineers can predict how the cell will perform under various conditions, such as high discharge rates and temperature fluctuations. This allows for accurate predictions of usable energy and voltage response, which are vital for ensuring reliable drone operation. For instance, simulations can help identify the optimal charge and discharge cycles, preventing overheating and extending battery life. Furthermore, by using cell-specific data, designers can benchmark the VTC5D against other cells, ensuring that the best choice is made for specific mission profiles. This approach not only enhances performance but also reduces the risks associated with trial-and-error testing in real-world scenarios.
