Murata VTC6 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.
Discover the Murata VTC6 cell for fast charging applications in EVTOL. Achieve high performance without overheating or lithium plating issues.
Value Propositions
Cylindrical 18650 form factor for efficient integration.
Nominal capacity of 11.232 Wh and 3.12 Ah for reliable energy delivery.
Top-quartile volumetric energy density of 653 Wh/l for compact designs.
Maximum continuous discharge of 30 A, ensuring robust performance.
Gravimetric power density of 2,318 W/kg, ideal for high-demand applications.
About the Cell
The Murata VTC6 is a cylindrical 18650 cell with a nominal capacity of 11.232 Wh (3.12 Ah), designed for high-performance applications. It boasts a volumetric energy density of 653 Wh/l, placing it in the top-quartile compared to the database median of 542 Wh/l, making it suitable for compact UAV designs. The cell's gravimetric energy density of 241 Wh/kg is also impressive, being around the median of 210 Wh/kg. With a maximum continuous discharge current of 30 A, it supports high energy demands, while its volumetric power density of 6,283 W/l is among the highest in the database, facilitating rapid energy delivery. These specifications make the VTC6 an excellent choice for drone battery design, particularly in EVTOL applications where space and weight are critical.
Application Challenges
In EVTOL applications, fast charging of batteries is essential to ensure operational efficiency. The challenge lies in charging the Murata VTC6 cell quickly without overheating or causing lithium plating, which can degrade battery performance or lead to safety hazards. The high standard charge current of 3 A and maximum continuous charge of 5 A are critical for achieving rapid charging while maintaining thermal stability. Effective battery thermal management is crucial to prevent overheating, especially during high discharge rates. The VTC6's design allows for optimal thermal performance, which is vital for extending drone flight time and improving UAV mission endurance.
Why this Cell
The Murata VTC6 cell is particularly suited for fast charging applications due to its high energy density and robust discharge capabilities. 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 demanding UAV operations. Its volumetric energy density of 653 Wh/l allows for lightweight drone battery packs, which is essential for enhancing flight time. The cell's thermal management capabilities are enhanced by its design, which mitigates the risks of overheating during rapid charging. This makes the VTC6 an ideal choice for custom UAV battery packs that require both performance and safety.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a crucial role in optimising the performance of the Murata VTC6 cell for EVTOL applications. By modelling load profiles and thermal behaviour, engineers can predict how the cell will perform under various conditions, including rapid charging scenarios. This approach allows for accurate predictions of voltage sag and usable energy, ensuring that the cell meets the demands of high-performance UAVs. For instance, simulations can identify the optimal charge rates that prevent overheating while maximising energy delivery. This predictive capability not only aids in selecting the right cell but also enhances overall battery thermal management, ensuring reliability and safety in critical missions.
