Murata VTC6 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.
Explore the Murata VTC6 cell for drones, designed for fast charging while preventing overheating and lithium plating, ensuring safety and efficiency.
Value Propositions
Cylindrical 18650 form factor for versatile applications.
Nominal capacity of 11.232 Wh (3.12 Ah) for extended flight times.
Top-quartile volumetric energy density of 653 Wh/l for compact designs.
Maximum continuous discharge of 30 A, ideal for high-performance UAVs.
Gravimetric power density of 2317 W/kg, supporting rapid energy delivery.
About the Cell
The Murata VTC6 cell features a cylindrical 18650 form factor, with a nominal capacity of 11.232 Wh (3.12 Ah) and a volumetric energy density of 653 Wh/l. This cell excels in applications requiring high energy density, making it suitable for drone battery designs. With a maximum continuous discharge of 30 A, it is positioned in the top-quartile compared to the database median of 30 A, ensuring robust performance during demanding operations. The gravimetric energy density of 241 Wh/kg also places it above the median, providing lightweight solutions for UAV battery packs. Additionally, the volumetric power density of 6283 W/l is among the highest in the database, facilitating quick energy delivery when needed. Overall, the VTC6 is engineered for optimal performance in high-energy density drone batteries.
Application Challenges
In the context of drones, fast charging presents unique challenges, particularly the risk of overheating and lithium plating. These issues can degrade battery performance and pose safety risks. The Murata VTC6 cell is designed to mitigate these challenges, with a maximum continuous charge of 5 A and a standard charge current of 3 A, allowing for efficient charging without compromising safety. The ability to charge rapidly while maintaining thermal stability is crucial for UAV applications, especially in scenarios requiring quick turnaround times. The VTC6's design supports high energy density, making it a reliable choice for long endurance drone batteries that need to perform under varying conditions.
Why this Cell
The Murata VTC6 cell stands out for its impressive specifications, particularly in the context of fast charging for drones. With a maximum continuous discharge of 30 A, it is positioned in the top-quartile compared to the database median of 30 A, ensuring it can handle high current demands without overheating. Its volumetric energy density of 653 Wh/l is also noteworthy, being among the highest in the database, which allows for compact battery designs that do not sacrifice performance. This cell's ability to deliver high power density (2317 W/kg) ensures that it can meet the rigorous demands of UAV applications, making it an excellent choice for custom UAV battery packs that require both safety and efficiency.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a critical role in optimising the performance of the Murata VTC6 cell for drone applications. By modelling load profiles and thermal behaviour, engineers can predict how the cell will perform under various conditions, including rapid charging scenarios. This predictive capability allows for the identification of potential overheating issues before they arise, ensuring that the cell operates safely within its limits. Furthermore, simulations can help determine the optimal charging rates and strategies to maximise efficiency while preventing lithium plating. By leveraging cell-specific data, designers can confidently select the VTC6 for high-performance UAV applications, ensuring reliability and safety in mission-critical environments.
