How To Use And Maintain Lithium-Ion Batteries For Drones？

1. Avoid overcharging

Lithium batteries should not be overcharged, and there are specific requirements for chargers. Some chargers have inadequate power-off functions after reaching full charge. Therefore, when charging lithium polymer batteries, someone must be present to monitor the process. If the charging time is unusually long, manually check the charger for malfunctions. If a malfunction is detected, disconnect the charger immediately. Otherwise, overcharging a lithium polymer battery can result in reduced battery life at best, and at worst, cause an explosion or fire. Additionally, please note that charging must be performed at the battery's specified C-rate or a lower C-rate (C refers to the battery's charge/discharge rate), and the charging current must not exceed the specified limit.

2. Avoid over-discharging the battery

The battery discharge curve shows that the voltage drops relatively quickly at the beginning of discharge, but the rate of voltage drop slows down when the voltage reaches between 3.9V and 3.7V. However, once the voltage drops below 3.7V, the rate of voltage drop accelerates. If not properly controlled, this can lead to over-discharge, which may cause damage to the drone's lithium-ion battery or, in severe cases, result in a crash due to extremely low voltage. Some drones have limited battery capacity, so each flight results in over-discharge, significantly shortening battery lifespan. The strategy is to fly one minute less to extend the battery's lifespan by one cycle. It is better to purchase two additional lithium-ion batteries than to discharge each battery beyond its capacity limit. Utilize the battery alarm system effectively; upon activation, land the drone promptly.

3. Do not store fully charged batteries.

Fully charged lithium-ion batteries should not be stored at full charge for more than three days. If left uncharged for over a week, some batteries may swell on the surface, while others may not swell immediately but could become unusable after several cycles of full-charge storage. Therefore, the correct approach is to charge the battery only after receiving a flight mission. If there is no flight mission within 3 days after battery use, charge each cell to 3.80–3.90V for storage. Additionally, if the battery remains unused for any reason after being fully charged, it should be discharged to 3.80–3.90V within 3 days of full charge for storage. If the battery is not used for three months, charge and discharge it once before storing it again to extend its lifespan. Batteries should be stored in a cool environment. For long-term storage, it is best to place them in a sealed bag or a sealed explosion-proof box. The recommended storage temperature is 10–25°C, and the environment should be dry and free of corrosive gases.

4. Do not damage the outer casing.  

The outer casing of a drone's lithium-ion battery is a critical structural component that prevents battery explosions and fires caused by leakage. Damage to the aluminum-plastic outer casing of a lithium-polymer battery can directly lead to battery fires or explosions. Handle the battery with care. When securing the battery on the aircraft, ensure the zip ties are tightly secured. During high-dynamic flights or crashes, a loosely secured battery may become dislodged, which can also easily cause damage to the lithium-ion battery's outer casing.