Murata VTC6A Drones Safety and risk management - particularly around overheating and thermal runaway during flight.
Explore the Murata VTC6A cell for drones, designed for safety and risk management against overheating and thermal runaway, ensuring reliable performance.
Value Propositions
Cylindrical 21700 form factor for efficient design.
Nominal capacity of 14.44 Wh and 4.1 Ah for extended flight times.
Top-quartile volumetric energy density of 578 Wh/l for compact power.
Maximum continuous discharge of 40 A, ensuring high performance under load.
Gravimetric power density of 1981 W/kg, ideal for lightweight applications.

About the Cell
The Murata VTC6A cell is a cylindrical 21700 lithium-ion battery designed for drone applications. With a nominal capacity of 14.44 Wh and 4.1 Ah, it provides a robust energy solution for UAVs. The cell features a volumetric energy density of 578 Wh/l, placing it in the top-quartile compared to the database median of 542 Wh/l, which is crucial for long endurance drone batteries. Its gravimetric energy density of 199 Wh/kg is also competitive, ensuring that drone designs can remain lightweight while maximising energy storage. The maximum continuous discharge rate of 40 A allows for high power demands, making it suitable for applications requiring rapid energy release. Additionally, the volumetric power density of 5762 W/l is among the highest in the database, ensuring efficient energy delivery during critical flight operations. This combination of features makes the VTC6A an excellent choice for UAV battery pack design.
Application Challenges
In the realm of drones, safety and risk management are paramount, particularly concerning overheating and thermal runaway during flight. The Murata VTC6A cell addresses these challenges effectively. With its high maximum continuous discharge rate of 40 A, it can handle the demands of high-performance UAVs without compromising safety. The cell's thermal management capabilities are essential for preventing overheating, especially in long endurance missions where battery temperature can rise significantly. The ability to maintain performance under varying load conditions is critical for ensuring mission success. Furthermore, the high energy density of the VTC6A allows for extended flight times, which is vital for applications such as industrial inspections and emergency response. The design of UAV battery packs must consider these factors to ensure reliability and efficiency in the field.
Why this Cell
The Murata VTC6A cell is specifically engineered for drone applications, making it an ideal choice for safety and risk management. Its nominal capacity of 14.44 Wh and maximum continuous discharge of 40 A provide the necessary power for demanding flight profiles. The cell's volumetric energy density of 578 Wh/l is significantly above the median of 542 Wh/l, ensuring that drones can achieve longer flight times without increasing weight. This is particularly important for UAVs that require high energy density to operate efficiently in various environments. Additionally, the gravimetric power density of 1981 W/kg is crucial for maintaining a lightweight design while delivering high performance. By selecting the VTC6A, engineers can optimise UAV battery packs for both endurance and safety, addressing the critical challenges of overheating and thermal runaway during operation.
How Model-Based Design Helps
Simulation and model-based design play a vital role in optimising the performance of the Murata VTC6A cell for drone applications. By simulating load profiles and thermal behaviour, engineers can predict how the cell will perform under different conditions. This includes modelling heat generation and voltage response during flight, which is essential for understanding the risks of thermal runaway. For instance, simulations can help identify the optimal discharge rates and charging profiles that minimise heat generation while maximising usable energy. This predictive capability allows for informed decision-making when selecting cells for UAVs, ensuring that the chosen battery can meet the specific demands of each mission. Furthermore, simulation aids in evaluating the impact of various environmental factors, such as temperature and humidity, on battery performance, thereby enhancing reliability and safety in real-world applications.


