Murata VTC6 Safety and risk management - particularly around overheating and thermal runaway during flight.
Explore the Murata VTC6 cell for EVTOL applications, addressing safety and thermal management challenges in drone battery design.
Value Propositions
Cylindrical 18650 form factor with a nominal capacity of 11.232 Wh.
Volumetric energy density of 653 Wh/l, +20% vs database median of 541.667 Wh/l.
Gravimetric energy density of 241 Wh/kg, around median vs database.
Maximum continuous discharge of 30 A, top-quartile vs median of 30 A.
Standard charge current of 3.0 A, suitable for efficient UAV battery pack design.
About the Cell
The Murata VTC6 is a cylindrical 18650 lithium-ion cell designed for high-performance applications. With a nominal capacity of 11.232 Wh and a nominal current of 3.12 Ah, it provides reliable energy storage for various UAV applications. Its volumetric energy density of 653 Wh/l places it in the top quartile compared to the database median of 541.667 Wh/l, making it an excellent choice for long endurance drone batteries. The gravimetric energy density of 241 Wh/kg is around the median, ensuring a balance between weight and performance. The cell's maximum continuous discharge rate of 30 A is at the top of the range, allowing for high discharge applications without compromising safety. Additionally, the standard charge current of 3.0 A supports efficient charging cycles, essential for UAV battery optimization.
Application Challenges
In EVTOL applications, safety and risk management are paramount, particularly concerning overheating and thermal runaway during flight. The Murata VTC6 cell addresses these challenges with its robust thermal management capabilities. High energy density is crucial for extending drone flight times, especially in demanding environments. The ability to manage heat generation effectively ensures that the cell operates within safe limits, reducing the risk of thermal runaway. Furthermore, the high discharge rates required for UAVs necessitate careful battery cell selection to maintain performance without overheating. The VTC6's specifications make it suitable for various UAV missions, including heavy lift and long endurance operations, where reliability is critical.
Why this Cell
The Murata VTC6 cell stands out for its impressive specifications tailored for EVTOL applications. With a volumetric energy density of 653 Wh/l, it is +20% compared to the database median, allowing for lightweight drone battery packs that do not compromise on performance. The maximum continuous discharge rate of 30 A positions it in the top quartile, ensuring that it can handle high power demands during critical flight phases. This capability is essential for applications requiring rapid acceleration or heavy payloads. The standard charge current of 3.0 A facilitates quick turnaround times for UAV missions, enhancing operational efficiency. Overall, the VTC6 is an ideal choice for custom UAV battery packs that require a balance of energy density, power output, 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 in UAV applications. By modelling load profiles and thermal behaviour, engineers can predict how the cell will perform under various conditions, including high discharge rates and extreme temperatures. This predictive capability allows for the selection of the most suitable cell for specific mission profiles, ensuring that the battery can deliver the required energy without overheating. For instance, simulations can identify the optimal charge and discharge cycles, helping to extend the battery's lifespan while maintaining safety. Additionally, real-time data from simulations can inform decisions about mission feasibility, particularly in challenging environments where temperature and state of charge (SoC) may impact performance. This approach not only enhances the reliability of UAV operations but also reduces the need for costly trial-and-error testing.
