How Should You Maintain A Lithium-ion Battery for A Camera Drone?

Both the camera drone battery and the mobile phone battery are lithium-ion batteries. The drone battery serves as the power source for the device and has higher safety performance requirements. However, there is a significant difference between the two: the drone battery is designed for high-rate discharge. It needs to discharge large currents to meet the demands of the drone in various environments. For instance, during aerial photography, if there are strong winds, the battery must discharge a large current to ensure the drone's stability. Due to these different requirements, the lifespan of a camera drone battery is relatively short.

Maintenance Methods for Camera Drone Lithium-Ion Batteries:

1. Avoid Over-Discharge

The discharge curve of the battery shows that the voltage drops relatively quickly at the beginning of the discharge. However, when the voltage drops to between 3.9V and 3.7V, it stabilizes. Once it reaches 3.7V, the voltage drop rate accelerates. Poor control can lead to over-discharge, ranging from damaging the battery to causing low voltage issues. Some drone owners tend to over-discharge their batteries due to having fewer batteries. This practice significantly shortens the battery's lifespan. It is better to fly the drone for one less minute per session, extending the battery's life cycle. Purchasing additional batteries is preferable to overusing the existing ones beyond their capacity.

2. Avoid Overcharge

1.Use a dedicated charger: Ensure it is specifically designed for lithium-ion or lithium polymer batteries.

2.Set the correct number of cells: During the initial minutes of charging, observe the charger's display to confirm the number of cells in the battery pack. If unsure, do not proceed with charging.

3.Check new battery packs: When charging a new lithium-ion battery pack for the first time, check the voltage of each cell. If the voltage difference exceeds 0.1 volts, balance the voltages to 4.2 volts each. If the difference persists after each discharge, replace the battery.

4.Supervise charging: Never leave the battery unattended while charging.

5.Safe charging location: Place the battery and charger in a safe location.

6.Follow manufacturer guidelines: Unless specified otherwise, do not exceed a charging current of 1C. While some batteries support high-current charging, it can shorten the battery's lifespan.

3. Avoid Storing Fully Charged Batteries

Do not store fully charged batteries for more than three days. Extended storage can cause swelling and permanent damage. Ideally, charge the battery before use and, if not used within three days, discharge it to 3.80-3.90V. For long-term storage, discharge and recharge the battery every three months to prolong its life. Store the battery in a cool, dry place, preferably in a sealed bag or explosion-proof box, at an ambient temperature of 10-25°C.

4. Protect the Packaging

The outer packaging of the battery is crucial for preventing explosions, leaks, and fires. Damage to the aluminum-plastic film of the lithium polymer battery can cause serious hazards. Handle the battery gently and secure it tightly to the drone to prevent it from being thrown out during flight or crashes, which could damage the packaging.

5. Avoid Low-Temperature Flights

Low temperatures significantly reduce the battery's discharge performance. If flying in such conditions is necessary, increase the alarm voltage (e.g., set the single-cell alarm voltage to 3.8V). Keep the battery warm before takeoff, in a house, car, or insulated container. Quickly install the battery before flight and reduce the flight time to half of the normal duration to ensure safe operation.