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LiPo batteries are an unbelievable energy supply for FPV drones, offering a considerable quantity of vitality storage and supply capabilities. Nevertheless, if not dealt with accurately, they’ll pose security dangers. This information will cowl the fundamentals of LiPo batteries for FPV drones, together with secure charging practices and correct storage strategies when not in use.
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Disclaimer: The data on this web page is meant as normal recommendation. Making certain battery security is your duty, and you must use the data offered at your individual threat.
Battery Suggestions
When selecting LiPo batteries, at all times go for respected manufacturers to make sure efficiency and high quality. Select the smaller packs if you need a lighter, extra agile drone; select the bigger packs if you happen to prioritize flight time over dealing with. Observe {that a} bigger pack can ship extra present at the price of barely larger weight, so there’s a commerce off to be made.
5″ Freestyle and Racing Drones
The most typical LiPo batteries used on 5″ FPV drones for freestyle and racing are 4S and 6S voltage. To grasp the variations between 4S and 6S, go to: https://oscarliang.com/6s-mini-quad-racing-drone/. In case you are on the fence, I like to recommend going with 6S, it’s just about the trade customary in 2025. Typical battery capability for 4S 5inch is round 1500mAh, and for 6S that’s between 1000mah and 1300mah.
For 3″ FPV Drones
For micro drone batteries suggestions (Tiny whoops, 2″, 3″, 3.5″), take a look at this put up: https://oscarliang.com/whoop-toothpick-lipo-battery/.
Dogcom 4S 850mAh / 6S 650mAh:
Tattu R-Line 4S 850mAh / 6S 550mAh:
Are LiPo Batteries Secure?
When dealt with accurately, LiPo batteries are completely secure. Nevertheless, LiPo batteries might catch hearth resulting from improper dealing with or bodily harm. Making certain security includes cautious remedy and vigilance in dealing with your batteries. Retailer and cost them in a fireproof place to attenuate threat.
Understanding LiPo Battery Fundamentals
Lithium polymer batteries, or LiPo batteries, boast an distinctive power-to-weight ratio, making them an excellent alternative for FPV drones.
To pick out the suitable LiPo battery, it’s essential to learn to interpret its specs and change into conversant in important terminology, which shall be defined within the following sections.
LiPo Battery Voltage
LiPo batteries include particular person cells, every with a nominal voltage of three.7V, which is indicated on the battery label.
A LiPo battery is designed to function safely inside a particular voltage vary, sometimes between 3.0V and 4.2V. Overcharging a LiPo battery above 4.2V is harmful and should result in a hearth. Discharging beneath 3V might end in irreversible efficiency degradation or battery harm. This minimal voltage can also be known as the cut-off voltage. It’s typically really useful to cease discharging when the battery reaches 3.5V per cell to increase its lifespan.
Cell Depend
LiPo batteries might have a number of cells. The ‘S’ ranking on a battery refers to t±±he variety of cells it has. So, a 6S battery has six cells, a 4S battery has 4, and so forth. As a result of every cell has a nominal voltage of three.7V, a 4S battery has a nominal voltage of 4 x 3.7V = 14.8V, whereas a 6S battery has a nominal voltage of 6 x 3.7V = 22.2V.
Battery voltage straight impacts motor velocity, so utilizing the next cell-count battery can enhance your drone’s energy (assuming the drone helps the upper voltage). Nevertheless, including extra cells additionally makes the battery heavier and dearer.
Within the passion, we sometimes seek advice from batteries by their cell rely or “S” designation:
- 1S = 1 cell = 3.7V
- 2S = 2 cells = 7.4V
- 3S = 3 cells = 11.1V
- 4S = 4 cells = 14.8V
- 5S = 5 cells = 18.5V
- 6S = 6 cells = 22.2V
For instance, we name a 14.8V battery a “4-cell” or simply “4S” battery.
Attention-grabbing details:
- Connecting two equivalent batteries in sequence doubles the voltage however doesn’t change capability (e.g., two 2S 1000mAh batteries in sequence change into a 4S 1000mAh battery). Connecting them in parallel doubles capability whereas sustaining the identical voltage (e.g., a 2S 2000mAh pack).
- LiPos can also use a “P” designation for voltage, with “P” indicating the variety of cells in parallel. 2S1P means “2 cells in sequence and 1 cell in parallel.” If a battery doesn’t have a “P,” it’s assumed to be “1P,” so 2S1P and 2S are the identical.
- 3S2P means “3 cells in sequence and a pair of cells in parallel.” This battery has a complete of 6 cells, with 2 parallel teams of cells, every containing 3 cells in sequence.
Capability
The capability of a LiPo battery, measured in mAh (milliampere-hour), signifies how a lot present you’ll be able to draw from the battery constantly for an hour till it’s empty. Observe that 1000mAh equals 1Ah.
For instance, with a 1300mAh LiPo (or 1.3Ah), it could take an hour to be fully discharged if you happen to draw a relentless 1.3A present from it. If the present draw doubles to 2.6A, the length can be halved (1.3/2.6=0.5). For those who draw 39A of present continuous, the pack would final solely 2 minutes (1.3/39=1/30 of an hour).
Rising your battery capability may provide longer flight time, however the tradeoff is a heavier, bigger battery. Weight considerably impacts an plane’s flight time, so it’s important to decide on a battery with an optimum stability between capability and weight for max effectivity.
Larger capability batteries might additionally present larger discharge currents, as defined within the subsequent part.
C Score
C Score is an indicator of the utmost present you’ll be able to safely draw from a LiPo battery with out inflicting harm. In concept, this may be calculated by:
Most Present Draw = Capability x C-Score
Drawing extra present than specified by the C-rating isn’t really useful, because the battery can overheat, enhance inside resistance over time, shorten battery lifespan, and even trigger thermal runaway (catching hearth) in excessive circumstances.
Batteries with larger C-ratings are typically heavier and bigger even on the identical capability. For instance, these two 4S 650mAh batteries proven within the picture have totally different weight and sizes resulting from differing C-ratings.
Though C-rating may very well be a great tool, it has change into principally a advertising and marketing software in recent times, so take it with a grain of salt. Manufacturers may inflate C-rating numbers, making it meaningless for comparability between manufacturers. Nevertheless, it might probably nonetheless be useful for selecting a battery from the identical model, assuming they comply with the identical customary. So long as you choose batteries from our suggestions, C-rating shouldn’t be a serious concern.
Inside Resistance
All electrical parts have resistance, together with batteries. The resistance inside a battery is known as inside resistance (IR), which signifies how a lot the battery resists present move. Inside resistance can be utilized to measure LiPo battery efficiency. Decrease IR means the battery can ship energy to your FPV drone extra successfully.
Monitoring IR over time can also be helpful for figuring out when to retire a LiPo battery. LiPo cells’ IR will increase slowly with time and utilization, an inevitable and irreversible course of. The next unhealthy practices can speed up battery getting old:
- Over-discharging and over-charging
- Pushing the battery too onerous by discharging at the next present than it’s rated for, for an prolonged interval
- Overheating
The most important issue affecting a battery’s most discharge charge is its inside resistance. Excessive IR results in extra noticeable voltage drop as you enhance throttle, a phenomenon referred to as “voltage sag”. As voltage decreases, motors lose RPM, and the drone feels much less highly effective and responsive.
Some batteries are designed for low-current purposes (e.g., 8C or 10C ranking for powering a radio), which inherently have larger IR. 18650 Li-ion batteries even have larger IR than typical LiPo batteries, which is regular.
For extra info on when to retire a battery and easy methods to measure inside resistance, take a look at our devoted article on the subject: https://oscarliang.com/when-retire-lipo-battery/
Discharge Connector
All LiPo batteries include two units of wires/connectors: the discharge connector (important lead) and stability connector (stability lead). Nevertheless, 1S batteries solely have a discharge connector since balancing isn’t required for 1 cell.
The discharge lead sometimes consists of two thicker pink and black wires used to energy the FPV drone.
One other set of smaller wires connects to a white connector; that is the stability lead. The variety of wires will depend on the battery’s cell rely.
The most typical discharge connector is the XT60, primarily utilized in 5″ FPV drones or bigger. For smaller drones, the XT30, a smaller model of the XT60, is usually used. They’ve comparable shapes however differ in sizes and present rankings.
Different battery connectors generally utilized in FPV drones and gear embody:
For extra info on electrical wires and connectors, seek advice from our in-depth article on the subject: https://oscarliang.com/wires-connectors/
Stability Connector
LiPo batteries with a couple of cell will at all times have a stability lead, which is for monitoring and balancing cell voltages. The official identify of the stability connector is JST-XH.
You’ll need to attach the stability result in the charger when charging. This enables the charger to examine and stability the voltage of every cell throughout charging. Importantly, at all times plug within the stability lead earlier than charging!
The variety of wires in a stability lead begins at 3 for a 2S LiPo, and that quantity will increase by 1 for each increment in cell rely:
- 2S – 3 wires
- 3S – 4 wires
- 4S – 5 wires
- 5S – 6 wires
- 6S – 7 wires
It’s not unusual to your stability result in be broken by spinning propellers throughout flight. To learn to restore a damaged stability lead, seek advice from our detailed tutorial: https://oscarliang.com/fix-balance-plug-lipo-replace/
If the stability lead is lengthy, think about using a rubber band to strap it down, it might probably additionally reduces the vibrations attributable to the dangling cable.
Protecting Battery Balanced
It’s essential to verify the cells in a battery are inside comparable vary earlier than utilizing it, in any other case you’ll be able to threat over-discharging the cells with decrease voltage. Additionally if a battery pack persistently change into unbalanced, the cells in all probability have totally different inside resistance and must be inspected extra carefully.
Simply plug within the stability lead right into a voltage checker and it’ll show the voltage of all cells. Get a voltage checker right here: https://oscarliang.com/fpv-tools/#LiPo-Voltage-Checker
Battery Varieties
LiPo
LiPo stands for lithium polymer, it’s the usual battery chemistry used for racing and freestyle FPV drones. LiPo has a completely charged voltage of 4.2 V and storage cost voltage of round 3.85V.
LiHV
LiHV is a particular sort of LiPo battery, with HV standing for “excessive voltage.” They’re extra energy-dense than conventional LiPo batteries and may be charged as much as 4.35V per cell (versus the usual 4.20V). Nevertheless, there are blended critiques relating to the longevity of LiHV batteries, as they could expertise a lower in efficiency earlier than common LiPos. In our put up, we in contrast a LiHV battery with a LiPo by way of efficiency. Regardless of these considerations, LiHV batteries have change into a well-liked alternative for 1S Tiny Whoops as a result of the impression of the upper voltage is important.
Li-Ion
Li-Ion stands for Lithium ion, sometimes have a a lot larger capability in comparison with LiPo of the identical weight. Due to its larger capability per weight, Li-Ion batteries are nice for lengthy vary flying. Nevertheless it has a lot decrease discharging efficiency, making it not appropriate for aggressive flying. Be taught extra about Li-Ion batteries and proposals right here: https://oscarliang.com/li-ion-battery-long-range/
Selecting the Proper LiPo Battery
For those who comply with my LiPo battery suggestions, you’ll be able to keep away from worrying about calculations I’m going to point out you beneath. Additionally make certain to avoid “no-name” batteries, and follow respected manufacturers corresponding to:
- GNB (Gaoneng)
- CNHL (China Interest Line)
- Lumenier (GetFPV)
- RDQ
- Tattu R-Line
- Dogcom
Right here’s I’ll present you the way to decide on an excellent battery to your drone.
How Many Packs Ought to Newbies Purchase?
You may actually purchase as many battery packs as you need, however I believe 4 packs is an efficient quantity in case you are simply beginning to fly FPV. Assuming every flight lasts round 5 to 10 minutes (bearing in mind the time you stroll to select up your crashed quad, preflight preparation, and quick breaks between flights), you’ll have as much as 40 minutes of flying time with simply 4 packs. When you’ve got a method to cost your batteries within the subject, you’ll be able to lengthen your flying time considerably. Be taught extra about subject charging right here: https://oscarliang.com/field-charging/
Weight
As a rule of thumb, the battery ought to weigh roughly half the burden of the freestyle or racing drone (excluding the GoPro). For those who comply with my battery suggestions, the efficiency must be adequate, and also you received’t want to think about anything. For lengthy vary and cinematic FPV drones, a bigger battery could also be used to maximise flight time, the place responsiveness and energy isn’t the priorities, the battery may be as heavy because the drone itself or extra.
In case your drone has a unique dimension or weight class, you’ll be able to comply with the extra guidelines beneath.
Figuring out Drone Present Draw
After deciding on motor and propeller sizes, you must be capable to discover thrust knowledge to your motor, in addition to the present draw for supported propeller sizes. For instance, with this motor and 5040×3 props, it attracts as much as 36.74A at 100% throttle.
The entire most present draw for a quadcopter with 4 motors can be 36.74 x 4 = 146.96A at 100% throttle. If you wish to play it secure, you should utilize this quantity to discover a battery with a excessive sufficient C-rating. Nevertheless, I often scale back it by 30-40% for 2 causes: firstly, we not often fly at 100% throttle for various seconds (I personally principally fly at round 40-60% throttle); and secondly, motors draw considerably fewer amps in actual life than in static thrust checks resulting from shifting air.
Though different parts additionally draw present, their impression is insignificant in comparison with the motors, so you’ll be able to often disregard them.
Selecting optimum battery capability
I’ve a desk right here that will help you resolve what battery dimension you want for specific setup: https://oscarliang.com/table-prop-motor-lipo-weight/
Now that you must work out the acceptable battery capability, which will depend on the scale of your quadcopter, and C ranking required. Right here is the final guideline I personally comply with for a freestyle/racing drone:
For 4S LiPo:
7 inch: 1500mah - 2200mah 5 inch: 1300mah - 1800mah 4 inch: 850mah - 1300mmah 3 inch: 650mah -1000mah
For 6S LiPo:
7 inch: 1200mah - 1500mah 5 inch: 900mah - 1300mah 4 inch: 550mah - 900mmah 3 inch: 400mah - 650mah
From there, we are able to calculate the C ranking requirement utilizing this system:
C Score = Present Draw / Capability
The best way to Cost LiPo
Choosing A LiPo Charger
To cost LiPo batteries, you’ll want a charger particularly designed for them resulting from their strict charging necessities. You may learn to select a high-quality LiPo charger on this purchaser’s information: https://oscarliang.com/choose-lipo-battery-charger-power-supply/
The next info applies if you happen to select a charger from my suggestions.
Connecting a LiPo to a Charger
Charging LiPo batteries with most trendy chargers is sort of easy. Sometimes, you simply have to plug within the XT60 and stability connectors, set the cost mode and cost present, and also you’re good to go.
Charger Modes
- Stability Cost: Whereas charging the battery, the charger displays the voltage of every cell and retains them balanced. That is the most secure and most really useful methodology of charging your LiPo battery.
- Storage Cost: The charger brings every cell to storage voltage (which is round 3.80V to three.85V).
- Discharge: The charger makes an attempt to empty the LiPo battery (this course of may be extraordinarily sluggish, relying on the discharging energy of the charger).
The Significance of Stability Charging
All the time plug within the stability lead earlier than charging, this enables the charger to learn the voltage of every cell.
The cells in a battery are slight totally different in inside resistance, and after a flight, you may discover some cells have larger voltage than others. Charging a battery with imbalanced cell voltages with out utilizing the stability lead might result in some cells ending up beneath 4.2V and others exceeding 4.2V, which is harmful.
Most trendy LiPo chargers have stability charging as the one charging mode. When you’ve got an inexpensive or outdated charger that permits charging with out the stability lead, discard it instantly and put money into a correct charger. Charging with out the stability lead is unsafe!
Charging Pace: How Quick Ought to You Cost?
Charging LiPo batteries at 1C or decrease is really useful, because it places the least pressure on the battery. This implies setting the cost present to 1 instances the battery’s capability. For instance, for a 1500mAh LiPo, charging at 1C means setting the cost present to 1.5A (1C x 1500mA), and for a 900mAh battery, that’s 0.9A, and so forth.
Enjoyable Truth: Charging at 1C will take roughly one hour to totally cost the battery from empty, regardless the scale of the pack.
Many batteries now help sooner charging, corresponding to at 3C and even 5C. Make sure you perceive your LiPo’s specs earlier than charging at larger charges. If unsure, simply cost at 1C, as charging your battery at larger C charges will increase the chance of LiPo overheating or inflicting a hearth.
Select a Secure Charging Location
It’s essential to cost your batteries in an space freed from flammable gadgets and supplies. In case you are charging indoors, attempt to do it close to a window or door to be able to rapidly throw the battery out in case of a hearth.
I personally retailer and cost my batteries in an ammo field (accessible on Amazon). Don’t rely solely on “LiPo Baggage”; they might decelerate a LiPo hearth, however they received’t fully include it. All the time hold a hearth extinguisher close by when charging batteries.
By no means Depart Charging LiPo Batteries Unattended
Don’t go away the room whereas charging your batteries. Many LiPo-related fires happen as a result of folks go away the charging course of unattended. You must at all times supervise LiPo batteries throughout charging. Repeatedly examine their temperature; they need to stay cool. If a battery turns into heat or begins to swell, cease charging and examine. It may very well be a defective LiPo that must be retired, an overcharging concern, or just charging too rapidly.
Different Security Guidelines
Incorrect dealing with of LiPo batteries can probably trigger fires. Please familiarize your self with these security guidelines earlier than dealing with or charging batteries:
- Decide up LiPo batteries by the physique, not the wires, which may be pulled off from fragile solder joints.
- Permit batteries to chill down fully after a flight earlier than charging them.
- By no means use or cost a broken or swollen battery.
- Confirm the variety of cells and battery sort are set accurately in your charger earlier than charging.
- Keep away from overcharging. Whereas sensible chargers can usually deal with this for you, it’s smart to examine cell voltages often.
- Maintain batteries out of direct daylight.
- All the time take away the battery from the system it’s powering and place it in a secure space earlier than charging.
- By no means quick the outputs of a battery at any time.
Parallel charging
Parallel charging will not be the most secure methodology for charging LiPo batteries, nevertheless it presents a fast method to cost a number of batteries concurrently. I’ve a complete tutorial that explains easy methods to safely carry out parallel charging: https://oscarliang.com/parallel-charging-multiple-lipo/
Charging 1S LiPo batteries
Charging small 1S batteries generally is a bit totally different than charging bigger packs. One possibility is to cost a number of 1S batteries utilizing a parallel board, which basically combines them as one massive 1S battery. Nevertheless, the best methodology for charging 1S batteries is to make use of a devoted 1S battery charger or serial cost board. Take a look at my suggestions for 1S battery chargers right here: https://oscarliang.com/best-tiny-whoop/#Greatest-Tiny-Whoop-Chargers
The best way to Use LiPo Batteries Safely
Storage Cost
For those who don’t plan to make use of a LiPo battery for an prolonged interval (as an example, longer than 2 weeks), you must:
- Storage cost it to three.80V to three.85V per cell
- Retailer the battery in a fireproof place (in LiPo baggage, ammo metallic bins, and so on.)
- Retailer it at room temperature – excessively chilly or sizzling situations can impression battery lifespan and security
When a LiPo cell is round 3.80-3.85V, it has roughly 40% to 50% cost remaining. That is probably the most steady state for a LiPo battery, your battery will last more and it’s safer. That’s additionally why model new batteries sometimes arrive at this voltage.
Most trendy LiPo chargers have “Storage Cost” perform, which is able to put your battery within the appropriate storage voltage for you.
How lengthy you’ll be able to go away LiPo batteries absolutely charged?
It’s alright to cost your batteries the day earlier than your flights. Nevertheless, personally, if I don’t fly the subsequent couple of days, I at all times return my batteries to storage voltage (e.g. 3.8V per cell).
Keep away from leaving them absolutely charged or empty for prolonged durations. Batteries not at their storage voltage will degrade sooner over time. Typically, most individuals discover it acceptable to go away batteries absolutely charged or discharged for just a few days. Nevertheless, if you happen to don’t plan to fly for greater than a few weeks, it’s finest to place your batteries at storage cost. Most trendy chargers can do that simply, however discharging may be sluggish. You may wish to think about getting a devoted discharger if you happen to do that steadily: https://oscarliang.com/discharge-lipo-batteries/
Working Temperature
FPV drone LiPo batteries carry out optimally between 30°C and 60°C. Chilly climate negatively impacts LiPo battery efficiency, leading to worse voltage sag and decreased flight time. Maintain your batteries heat earlier than a flight (e.g., by putting them in your pocket). Listed below are some extra recommendations on easy methods to fly FPV in chilly climate: https://oscarliang.com/fly-fpv-winter/
LiPo batteries additionally endure in extreme warmth, as they’ll swell and even catch hearth. Be sure that to not go away them below direct daylight in the summertime!
When to Land
You must land your drone when your battery voltage reaches 3.5V to three.6V.
Though you’ll be able to proceed flying with decrease voltages, doing so places additional pressure on the battery and should shorten its lifespan. All cells in a battery are totally different, and through a burst of throttle, the battery will sag with some cells sagging greater than others. This may end up in cells going beneath the secure restrict and inflicting harm. Touchdown at round 3.5V reduces the chance of this occurring.
One more reason to land early is that voltage drops considerably sooner beneath 3.5V. Persevering with to fly might end in over-discharging your battery earlier than you’ll be able to land safely. Over-discharging could cause everlasting harm and shorten battery life.
With that stated, for tiny whoop 1S batteries, it’s fairly frequent to land at a lot decrease voltage, e.g. 3.2V and even 3.0V. that’s as a result of the voltage sag is so nice on these small batteries, they are going to ultimately get well above the secure voltage when landed. Additionally this lets you get probably the most flight day trip of them. Moreover, 1S batteries are comparatively low cost so folks don’t thoughts abusing them.
LiPo Secure Baggage
LiPo baggage are made of material, usually with a metallic compound woven into them, and customarily have both a zipper or Velcro fastener. They supply light-weight, cheap storage for battery transportation. Whereas LiPo baggage might decelerate a battery hearth, they don’t seem to be efficient at stopping or containing one. For long-term storage, a metallic ammo field is really useful. Nevertheless, LiPo baggage are comparatively reasonably priced and nonetheless higher than nothing.
Get your LiPo baggage from:
Ammo Field
Earlier than utilizing an ammo field to retailer your LiPo batteries, take away the rubber seal on the lid (simply pry it off with a screwdriver). If doable, drill a few small holes to permit air to flee within the occasion of a hearth (or make sure the field isn’t tightly shut) to stop strain buildup inside an hermetic metallic container.
Get your Ammo Field from:
Bat-Secure LiPo Field
The Bat-Secure field safely incorporates battery fires, vents sizzling gases, filters flame and soot, whereas making certain straightforward battery charging and transportation. It’s just like the upgraded model of the Ammo field. See my full evaluate right here: https://oscarliang.com/bat-safe-lipo-battery-charging-box/
You’ll find the Bat-Secure Field right here:
What to do with over-discharged LiPo
Utterly discharging a LiPo battery may end up in oxidation of the cells over time, inflicting a everlasting discount in efficiency. Nevertheless, if detected rapidly sufficient, you’ll be able to often save the battery with out vital harm to its efficiency.
Chargers might not acknowledge an over-discharged battery resulting from low cell voltage. In such circumstances, it’s advisable to discard the battery. There are methods to rescue an over-discharged LiPo, however proceed at your individual threat.
Touring with LiPo Batteries
Many airways and airports enable LiPo batteries in passengers’ carry-on baggage. Maintain the next factors in thoughts:
- All the time examine along with your airline about touring with LiPo batteries
- Don’t carry LiPo batteries in your checked baggage
- Place your batteries in storage cost
- Tape or cowl the connectors and retailer them in a LiPo secure bag
- By no means journey with broken batteries
For extra info, see my information on “The best way to journey with mini quad and LiPo batteries”: https://oscarliang.com/travel-fpv-drone-lipo-plane/
What to Do if a LiPo Battery Catches Hearth
- Don’t panic; if doable, unplug all connections first
- Use a hearth extinguisher
- If that’s not an possibility, sand can successfully put out a LiPo hearth; cowl the burning LiPo with sand
- Keep away from inhaling smoke and look ahead to the hearth to exit and the battery to chill
- Do NOT use water
What’s the Lifespan of a LiPo Battery?
For an in depth clarification, take a look at this put up: https://oscarliang.com/when-retire-lipo-battery/
Abstract:
- Gradual Efficiency Degradation: LiPo battery efficiency regularly degrades over time and utilization. It has no expiry date.
- Efficiency Loss: Based mostly on my testing, you’ll be able to count on a lack of about 3.8% in efficiency over the primary 100 cost cycles for traditional LiPo batteries (5.4% for LiHV batteries).
- Alternative Timeline: Personally, I exchange my LiPo batteries each 200 to 300 cost cycles or each two to a few years, whichever comes first.
- Prolonged Use: You may proceed utilizing a LiPo battery so long as it’s secure to take action. Nevertheless, it can expertise extra voltage sag resulting from larger inside resistance, and its capability shall be decrease, leading to decreased flight time.
LiPo Disposal
When to Retire a LiPo Battery
LiPo batteries have a restricted cycle life, with every cost and discharge counting as one cycle. A well-maintained LiPo battery for RC fashions might probably final over 300 cycles. Nevertheless, for a lot of customers, damaging the battery bodily earlier than reaching that time is a typical prevalence.
There isn’t a particular rule for when to eliminate a battery, however LiPo batteries can lose their “punch” and capability as inside resistance builds up over time. Inside resistance is an efficient indication of battery well being. You must positively eliminate a battery if it turns into dented from a crash or if it’s swollen like a balloon.
Be taught extra about when to retire or eliminate a LiPo battery on this article: https://oscarliang.com/when-retire-lipo-battery/
The best way to Eliminate LiPo Batteries
Outdated and broken LiPo batteries must be disposed of correctly. Be taught concerning the other ways of disposing LiPo batteries on this article: https://oscarliang.com/dispose-lipo-battery-safely/. By no means to puncture LiPo batteries, as doing so could cause a hearth.
FAQ
Listed below are some frequent questions from hobbyists.
Q: Are swollen (puffed) LiPo batteries harmful? A: Sure, swollen LiPo batteries aren’t secure to make use of or retailer.
Q: What causes LiPo batteries to change into swollen? A: LiPo batteries swell when fuel will get trapped contained in the cells. This will happen naturally, however bodily abuse (corresponding to harm, overheating, or over-discharging) could cause the battery to generate extra fuel.
Q: Can I repair a puffed LiPo battery? A: No, you’ll be able to’t. As soon as a LiPo battery turns into swollen, it’s irreversible. Eliminate it correctly as quickly as doable.
Q: How can I keep away from swollen batteries? A: To keep away from swollen batteries:
- Don’t over-discharge – use a voltage alarm or monitoring system
- Don’t overheat – keep away from leaving batteries below the solar or near warmth sources, and don’t overload the battery
- By no means overcharge – arrange your charger correctly and monitor it whereas charging
- Retailer your LiPo batteries correctly, as talked about earlier on this article
Q: Do new batteries have to be damaged in? A: Break-in procedures for brand spanking new batteries are a controversial subject within the FPV group. Some consider that new batteries ought to undergo a sequence of sluggish cost and discharge cycles earlier than being absolutely utilized. Others, like myself, have tried this methodology and located no noticeable distinction. For extra dialogue on the subject, see this discussion board thread.
Technical Phrases
- Minimize-off voltage – the voltage at which a battery is taken into account discharged fully; For LiPo it’s 3.0V
- Cycle life – 1 cycle is if you cost and discharge a battery. The cycle life is the overall variety of cycles the battery will final
- State of cost – the vitality degree of a battery from 0% to 100%.
- Burst C-Score – the utmost discharge charge over a brief time period (usually inside 10 seconds)
Conclusion
Congratulations, you made it!
Hopefully, you’ve discovered one thing about LiPo batteries and easy methods to use them safely. Nevertheless, this information doesn’t cowl all the pieces that you must know. For those who’re unsure about something, proceed researching to make sure you’re dealing with your LiPo batteries as safely as doable. Completely satisfied flying.
Edit Historical past
- 2017 – Article created.
- 2018 – Added product suggestions.
- 2019 – Up to date Rationalization of Cell Depend and IR, added information on “easy methods to cost”.
- 2023 – Up to date information.
- Could 2024 – Up to date information and product suggestions.
