Murata VTC6A 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 VTC6A cell for drones, designed for fast charging without overheating, ensuring safety and efficiency in UAV applications.
Value Propositions
Cylindrical 21700 form factor for compact designs.
Nominal capacity of 14.44 Wh and 4.1 Ah for reliable performance.
Top-quartile power density (+58% vs median 750 W/kg) for brisk current draws.
Maximum continuous discharge of 40 A for demanding applications.
Volumetric energy density of 578 Wh/l, ideal for lightweight drone battery packs.
About the Cell
The Murata VTC6A is a cylindrical 21700 cell with a nominal capacity of 14.44 Wh (4.1 Ah), making it suitable for various drone applications. With a volumetric energy density of 578 Wh/l and a gravimetric energy density of 199 Wh/kg, it stands out in the market. The cell's maximum continuous discharge rate of 40 A and a maximum continuous charge rate of 9 A ensure it meets the high demands of drone operations. Compared to the database median, the VTC6A's volumetric power density of 5762 W/l is among the highest, providing exceptional performance for fast charging and high energy applications. Its design prioritises safety and efficiency, making it a reliable choice for UAV battery pack design.
Application Challenges
In the context of drones, fast charging presents significant challenges. The need to charge batteries quickly without overheating is critical, as overheating can lead to lithium plating, which degrades battery performance and poses safety risks. The Murata VTC6A addresses these challenges with its high maximum continuous charge rate of 9 A, allowing for rapid charging while maintaining thermal stability. Effective battery thermal management is essential to prevent overheating during fast charging, ensuring that the cell operates within safe temperature limits. This is particularly important for UAV applications where mission reliability and safety are paramount.
Why this Cell
The Murata VTC6A cell is ideal for drone applications requiring fast charging due to its impressive specifications. With a maximum continuous discharge rate of 40 A, it supports high energy demands, making it suitable for applications like heavy-lift drones and long endurance missions. Its volumetric energy density of 578 Wh/l is significantly above the median, providing a lightweight solution for UAV battery packs. This cell's design allows for efficient energy use, crucial for extending drone flight times and improving mission endurance. The high power density ensures that the cell can deliver the necessary energy quickly without compromising safety, making it a top choice for UAV battery optimisation.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a crucial role in optimising the performance of the Murata VTC6A cell in drone applications. By modelling load profiles and thermal behaviour, engineers can predict how the cell will perform under various conditions, such as high discharge rates and rapid charging scenarios. This predictive capability allows for the selection of the best cells for specific missions, ensuring that the battery can handle the required thrust and energy demands without overheating. Additionally, simulations can help identify optimal charging strategies that maximise efficiency while minimising risks associated with lithium plating. This approach not only enhances the reliability of drone operations but also reduces the need for costly trial-and-error testing, streamlining the design process for UAV battery packs.
