Murata VTC6 Weight v power trade off in pack design - how to pick the right balance.
Explore the Murata VTC6 cell for UAV applications, balancing weight and power for optimal drone performance. Discover its advantages today.
Value Propositions
Cylindrical 18650 form factor for versatile applications.
Nominal capacity of 11.232 Wh, ideal for long endurance UAVs.
Top-quartile power density (+58% vs median W/kg) for brisk current draws.
Maximum continuous discharge of 30 A, supporting high-performance needs.
Volumetric energy density of 653 Wh/l, among the highest in database.
About the Cell
The Murata VTC6 is a cylindrical 18650 lithium-ion cell with a nominal capacity of 11.232 Wh (3.12 Ah). It features a volumetric energy density of 653 Wh/l, which is among the highest in the database, making it an excellent choice for applications requiring high energy density. The cell also boasts a gravimetric energy density of 241.03 Wh/kg, placing it in the top quartile compared to the median of 210 Wh/kg. With a maximum continuous discharge of 30 A and a maximum continuous charge of 5 A, the VTC6 is designed to meet the demanding requirements of UAV applications. Its volumetric power density of 6282.72 W/l is also impressive, exceeding the median of 2029 W/l by +62%, ensuring that it can deliver power efficiently when needed. This combination of high energy and power density makes the VTC6 a strong candidate for drone battery design.
Application Challenges
In the context of EVTOL and the weight versus power trade-off in pack design, selecting the right battery cell is crucial. UAVs require batteries that not only provide sufficient energy for extended flight times but also maintain a lightweight profile to enhance overall performance. The challenge lies in balancing these two factors to ensure optimal flight efficiency. For instance, a battery that is too heavy can significantly reduce flight time, while one that lacks sufficient energy density may not support the required power output for demanding missions. Therefore, understanding the specific energy and power requirements of the UAV is essential for effective battery pack design.
Why this Cell
The Murata VTC6 cell is particularly suited for UAV applications due to its high nominal capacity of 11.232 Wh and impressive volumetric energy density of 653 Wh/l. This energy density is among the highest in the database, allowing for longer flight times without compromising on weight. Additionally, the maximum continuous discharge rate of 30 A positions it in the top quartile compared to the median of 30 A, ensuring that it can handle high power demands during flight. This capability is critical for applications such as heavy-lift drones and long endurance missions, where both energy and power are essential for success. The combination of these metrics makes the VTC6 an ideal choice for UAV battery optimization.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a vital role in optimising battery selection for UAV applications. By simulating load profiles, thermal behaviour, and voltage response, engineers can accurately predict how a cell will perform under various conditions. For example, modelling the thermal rise and voltage sag during high discharge scenarios helps identify the most suitable cell for specific mission profiles. This approach reduces the risk of overheating and ensures that the battery can deliver the required energy throughout the flight. Furthermore, simulation allows for the evaluation of different cell configurations, enabling designers to select the optimal combination of weight and power for their UAVs. This data-driven methodology not only enhances performance but also streamlines the design process, leading to more efficient and reliable UAV battery packs.
