Utilizing LiPo Batteries for FPV Drones: Newbie’s Information with Prime Product Suggestions

LiPo batteries are an unimaginable energy supply for FPV drones, offering a considerable quantity of power storage and supply capabilities. Nevertheless, if not dealt with appropriately, they’ll pose security dangers. This information will cowl the fundamentals of LiPo batteries for FPV drones, together with protected charging practices and correct storage strategies when not in use.

A few of the hyperlinks on this web page are affiliate hyperlinks. I obtain a fee (at no additional price to you) in the event you make a purchase order after clicking on certainly one of these affiliate hyperlinks. This helps assist the free content material for the neighborhood on this web site. Please learn our Affiliate Hyperlink Coverage for extra info.

Disclaimer: The data on this web page is meant as common recommendation. Making certain battery security is your duty, and it is best to use the data offered at your individual threat.

Battery Suggestions

When selecting LiPo batteries, all the time go for respected manufacturers to make sure efficiency and high quality. Select the smaller packs in order for you a lighter, extra agile drone; select the bigger packs in the event you prioritize flight time over dealing with. Observe {that a} bigger pack can ship extra present at the price of barely higher weight, so there’s a commerce off to be made.

5″ Freestyle and Racing Drones

The commonest LiPo batteries used on 5″ FPV drones for freestyle and racing are 4S and 6S voltage. To know the variations between 4S and 6S, go to: https://oscarliang.com/6s-mini-quad-racing-drone/. Go along with 6S in case you are on the fence, it’s just about the business customary in 2024. Typical battery capability for 4S is round 1300mAh  to 1600mAh, and for 6S that’s round 1000mah to 1300mah.

For 3″ FPV Drones

For micro drone batteries suggestions (Tiny whoops, 2″, 3″, 3.5″), take a look at this publish: https://oscarliang.com/whoop-toothpick-lipo-battery/.

Are LiPo Batteries Secure?

When dealt with appropriately, LiPo batteries are completely protected. Nevertheless, LiPo batteries might catch fireplace as a result of improper dealing with or bodily injury. Making certain security entails cautious therapy and vigilance in dealing with your batteries.

Understanding LiPo Battery Fundamentals

Lithium polymer batteries, or LiPo batteries, boast an distinctive power-to-weight ratio, making them an excellent selection for FPV drones.

To pick the suitable LiPo battery, it’s essential to discover ways to interpret its specs and grow to be accustomed to important terminology, which will likely 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 will result in a hearth. Discharging beneath 3V might end in irreversible efficiency degradation or battery injury. This minimal voltage can be known as the cut-off voltage. It’s typically advisable to cease discharging when the battery reaches 3.5V per cell to increase its lifespan.

Cell Rely

LiPo batteries might have a number of cells. The ‘S’ score 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 immediately impacts motor pace, so utilizing a better 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 discuss with 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.

Fascinating information:

• Connecting two equivalent batteries in collection doubles the voltage however doesn’t change capability (e.g., two 2S 1000mAh batteries in collection grow to be a 4S 1000mAh battery). Connecting them in parallel doubles capability whereas sustaining the identical voltage (e.g., a 2S 2000mAh pack).
• LiPos may use a “P” designation for voltage, with “P” indicating the variety of cells in parallel. 2S1P means “2 cells in collection 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 collection and a couple of cells in parallel.” This battery has a complete of 6 cells, with 2 parallel teams of cells, every containing 3 cells in collection.

Capability

The capability of a LiPo battery, measured in mAh (milliampere-hour), signifies how a lot present you may draw from the battery repeatedly for an hour till it’s empty. Observe that 1000mAh equals 1Ah.

For instance, with a 1300mAh LiPo (or 1.3Ah), it will take an hour to be fully discharged in the event you draw a relentless 1.3A present from it. If the present draw doubles to 2.6A, the period could be halved (1.3/2.6=0.5). In case you 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 steadiness between capability and weight for max effectivity.

Larger capability batteries might additionally present greater discharge currents, as defined within the subsequent part.

C Score

C Score is an indicator of the utmost present you may safely draw from a LiPo battery with out inflicting injury. In principle, this may be calculated by:

Most Present Draw = Capability x C-Score

Drawing extra present than specified by the C-rating just isn’t advisable, because the battery can overheat, enhance inner resistance over time, shorten battery lifespan, and even trigger thermal runaway (catching fireplace) in excessive circumstances.

Batteries with greater C-ratings are usually 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 as a result of differing C-ratings.

 The next C-rating battery affords higher efficiency, particularly for power-hungry drones, but it surely’s not all the time the only option. On a low-power cruiser, additional energy from a better C-rating battery is likely to be pointless, whereas the added weight might be counterproductive and end in much less flight time. It’s all about utilizing the fitting instrument for the job.

Though C-rating might be a great tool, it has grow to be largely a advertising and marketing instrument 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 could possibly nonetheless be useful for selecting a battery from the identical model, assuming they observe the identical customary. So long as you choose batteries from our suggestions, C-rating shouldn’t be a serious concern.

Inner Resistance

All electrical parts have resistance, together with batteries. The resistance inside a battery is named inner resistance (IR), which signifies how a lot the battery resists present movement. Inner 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 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 laborious by discharging at a better present than it’s rated for, for an prolonged interval
• Overheating

The largest issue affecting a battery’s most discharge fee is its inner resistance. Excessive IR results in extra noticeable voltage drop as you enhance throttle, a phenomenon generally known 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 functions (e.g., 8C or 10C score for powering a radio), which inherently have greater IR. 18650 Li-ion batteries even have greater IR than typical LiPo batteries, which is regular.

For extra info on when to retire a battery and how one can measure inner 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 (essential lead) and steadiness connector (steadiness lead). Nevertheless, 1S batteries solely have a discharge connector since balancing just 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 steadiness lead. The variety of wires relies on the battery’s cell rely.

The commonest 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 commonly used. They’ve comparable shapes however differ in sizes and present rankings.

Different battery connectors generally utilized in FPV drones and tools embody:

For extra info on electrical wires and connectors, discuss with our in-depth article on the subject: https://oscarliang.com/wires-connectors/

Stability Connector

LiPo batteries with multiple cell will all the time have a steadiness lead, which is for monitoring and balancing cell voltages. The official title of the steadiness connector is JST-XH.

You have to to attach the steadiness result in the charger when charging. This permits the charger to test and steadiness the voltage of every cell throughout charging. Importantly, all the time plug within the steadiness lead earlier than charging!

The variety of wires in a steadiness 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 in your steadiness result in be broken by spinning propellers throughout flight. To discover ways to restore a damaged steadiness lead, discuss with our detailed tutorial: https://oscarliang.com/fix-balance-plug-lipo-replace/

If the steadiness lead is lengthy, think about using a rubber band to strap it down, it could possibly additionally reduces the vibrations brought on by the dangling cable.

Holding Battery Balanced

It’s vital to ensure the cells in a battery are inside comparable vary earlier than utilizing it, in any other case you may threat over-discharging the cells with decrease voltage. Additionally if a battery pack constantly grow to be unbalanced, the cells most likely have totally different inner resistance and must be inspected extra intently.

Simply plug within the steadiness 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 opinions concerning the longevity of LiHV batteries, as they may expertise a lower in efficiency ahead of common LiPos. In our publish, we in contrast a LiHV battery with a LiPo by way of efficiency. Regardless of these issues, LiHV batteries have grow to be a preferred selection for 1S Tiny Whoops as a result of the impression of the upper voltage is critical.

Li-Ion

Li-Ion stands for Lithium ion, sometimes have a a lot greater capability in comparison with LiPo of the identical weight. Due to its greater 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 suggestions right here: https://oscarliang.com/li-ion-battery-long-range/

Selecting the Proper LiPo Battery

In case you observe my LiPo battery suggestions, you may keep away from worrying about calculations I’m going to point out you beneath. Additionally be sure that to avoid “no-name” batteries, and stick with respected manufacturers resembling:

• GNB (Gaoneng)
• CNHL (China Interest Line)
• Lumenier (GetFPV)
• RDQ
• Tattu R-Line
• Dogcom

Right here’s I’ll present you ways to decide on an excellent battery in your drone.

How Many Packs Ought to Newbies Purchase?

You’ll be able to 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 (considering the time you stroll to choose up your crashed quad, preflight preparation, and brief breaks between flights), you’ll have as much as 40 minutes of flying time with simply 4 packs. When you’ve got a option to cost your batteries within the area, you may lengthen your flying time considerably. Be taught extra about area 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). In case you observe my battery suggestions, the efficiency must be adequate, and also you received’t want to contemplate 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 distinct measurement or weight class, you may observe the extra guidelines beneath.

Figuring out Drone Present Draw

After deciding on motor and propeller sizes, it is best to be capable to discover thrust information in 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 could be 36.74 x 4 = 146.96A at 100% throttle. If you wish to play it protected, you should utilize this quantity to discover a battery with a excessive sufficient C-rating. Nevertheless, I often cut back it by 30-40% for 2 causes: firstly, we hardly ever fly at 100% throttle for various seconds (I personally largely fly at round 40-60% throttle); and secondly, motors draw considerably fewer amps in actual life than in static thrust assessments as a result of shifting air.

Though different parts additionally draw present, their impression is insignificant in comparison with the motors, so you may often disregard them.

Selecting optimum battery capability

I’ve a desk right here that will help you determine what battery measurement you want for explicit setup: https://oscarliang.com/table-prop-motor-lipo-weight/

Now you could work out the acceptable battery capability, which relies on the scale of your quadcopter, and C score required. Right here is the final guideline I personally observe 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 score requirement utilizing this method:

C Score = Present Draw / Capability

The way to Cost LiPo

Choosing A LiPo Charger

To cost LiPo batteries, you’ll want a charger particularly designed for them as a result of their strict charging necessities. You’ll be able to discover ways 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 in the event you select a charger from my suggestions.

Connecting a LiPo to a Charger

Charging LiPo batteries with most fashionable chargers is sort of easy. Usually, you simply must plug within the XT60 and steadiness connectors, set just a few parameters, and also you’re good to go.

Charger Modes

• Stability Cost: Whereas charging the battery, the charger screens the voltage of every cell and retains them balanced. That is the most secure and most advisable technique of charging your LiPo battery.
• Storage Cost: The charger brings every cell to storage voltage (which is between 3.80V and three.85V, relying on the charger).
• 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

At all times plug within the steadiness lead earlier than charging.

Every cell in a battery has slight variations, and after a flight, you may discover that the cell voltages differ. Charging a battery with imbalanced cell voltages with out utilizing the steadiness lead might result in some cells ending up beneath 4.2V and others exceeding 4.2V, which is harmful.

Most fashionable LiPo chargers have steadiness charging as the one charging mode. When you’ve got an inexpensive or previous charger that permits charging with out the steadiness lead, discard it instantly and put money into a correct charger. Charging with out the steadiness lead is unsafe!

Charging Velocity: How Quick Ought to You Cost?

Charging LiPo batteries at 1C or decrease is advisable, because it places the least pressure on the battery. This implies setting the cost present to 1 occasions 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 Reality: Charging at 1C will take roughly one hour to totally cost the battery from empty.

Many batteries now assist sooner charging, resembling at 3C and even 5C. Make sure you perceive your LiPo’s specs earlier than charging at greater charges. If unsure, simply cost at 1C, as charging your battery at greater C charges will increase the danger 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 objects and supplies. In case you are charging indoors, attempt to do it close to a window or door as a way 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 Luggage”; they could decelerate a LiPo fireplace, however they received’t fully include it. At all times maintain a hearth extinguisher close by when charging batteries.

By no means Depart Charging LiPo Batteries Unattended

Don’t depart the room whereas charging your batteries. Many LiPo-related fires happen as a result of individuals depart the charging course of unattended. You must all the time supervise LiPo batteries throughout charging. Repeatedly test their temperature; they need to stay cool. If a battery turns into heat or begins to swell, cease charging and examine. It might be a defective LiPo that must be retired, an overcharging difficulty, or just charging too rapidly.

Different Security Guidelines

Incorrect dealing with of LiPo batteries can doubtlessly 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.
• Enable 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 appropriately in your charger earlier than charging.
• Keep away from overcharging. Whereas good chargers can usually care for this for you, it’s sensible to test cell voltages usually.
• Hold batteries out of direct daylight.
• At all times take away the battery from the machine it’s powering and place it in a protected space earlier than charging.
• By no means brief the outputs of a battery at any time.

Parallel charging

Parallel charging might not be the most secure technique for charging LiPo batteries, but it surely affords a fast option to cost a number of batteries concurrently. I’ve a complete tutorial that explains how one can safely carry out parallel charging: https://oscarliang.com/parallel-charging-multiple-lipo/

Charging 1S LiPo batteries

Charging small 1S batteries is usually a bit totally different than charging bigger packs. One choice is to cost a number of 1S batteries utilizing a parallel board, which basically combines them as one giant 1S battery. Nevertheless, the simplest technique 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 way to Use LiPo Batteries Safely

How lengthy you may depart 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 all the time return my batteries to storage voltage (e.g. 3.8V per cell).

Keep away from leaving them absolutely charged or empty for prolonged intervals. Batteries not at their storage voltage will degrade sooner over time. Usually, most individuals discover it acceptable to depart batteries absolutely charged or discharged for just a few days. Nevertheless, in the event you don’t plan to fly for greater than a few weeks, it’s finest to place your batteries at storage cost. Most fashionable chargers can do that simply, however discharging may be sluggish. You may wish to contemplate getting a devoted discharger in the event you 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 diminished flight time. Hold your batteries heat earlier than a flight (e.g., by inserting them in your pocket). Listed below are some extra recommendations on how one can 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 fireplace. Be sure that to not depart 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 may proceed flying with decrease voltages, doing so places additional pressure on the battery and will 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 can lead to cells going beneath the protected restrict and inflicting injury. Touchdown at round 3.5V reduces the danger of this taking place.

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 may land safely. Over-discharging could cause everlasting injury and shorten battery life.

The way to Retailer LiPo Batteries

As talked about earlier, in the event you don’t plan to make use of a LiPo battery for an prolonged interval (longer than just a few weeks, for instance), it is best to:

1. Storage cost it to three.8-3.85V
2. Retailer it in a fireproof place (in LiPo luggage, ammo field, and so forth.)
3. Retailer it at room temperature – excessively chilly or sizzling circumstances can impression battery lifespan and security

When a LiPo cell is round 3.8V-3.85V, it has roughly 40% to 50% cost remaining. That is probably the most steady state for a LiPo battery, which is why new batteries from outlets sometimes arrive half charged.

LiPo Secure Luggage

LiPo luggage 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 luggage might decelerate a battery fireplace, they don’t seem to be efficient at stopping or containing one. For long-term storage, a steel ammo field is advisable. Nevertheless, LiPo luggage are comparatively reasonably priced and nonetheless higher than nothing.

Get your LiPo luggage 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 potential, drill a few small holes to permit air to flee within the occasion of a hearth (or make sure the field just isn’t tightly shut) to stop strain buildup inside an hermetic steel container.

Get your Ammo Field from:

Bat-Secure LiPo Field

The Bat-Secure field safely comprises battery fires, vents sizzling gases, filters flame and soot, whereas making certain simple battery charging and transportation. It’s just like the upgraded model of the Ammo field. See my full overview 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

Fully discharging a LiPo battery can lead to oxidation of the cells over time, inflicting a everlasting discount in efficiency. Nevertheless, if detected rapidly sufficient, you may often save the battery with out vital injury to its efficiency.

Chargers might not acknowledge an over-discharged battery as a result of 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 permit LiPo batteries in passengers’ carry-on baggage. Hold the next factors in thoughts:

1. At all times test along with your airline about touring with LiPo batteries
2. Don’t carry LiPo batteries in your checked baggage
3. Place your batteries in storage cost
4. Tape or cowl the connectors and retailer them in a LiPo protected bag
5. By no means journey with broken batteries

For extra info, see my information on “The 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 Fireplace

1. Don’t panic; if potential, unplug all connections first
2. Use a hearth extinguisher
3. If that’s not an choice, sand can successfully put out a LiPo fireplace; cowl the burning LiPo with sand
4. Keep away from inhaling smoke and anticipate the fireplace to exit and the battery to chill
5. Do NOT use water

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 doubtlessly final over 300 cycles. Nevertheless, for a lot of customers, damaging the battery bodily earlier than reaching that time is a standard prevalence.

There isn’t a particular rule for when to get rid of a battery, however LiPo batteries can lose their “punch” and capability as inner resistance builds up over time. Inner resistance is an efficient indication of battery well being. You must undoubtedly get rid of 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 get rid of a LiPo battery on this article: https://oscarliang.com/when-retire-lipo-battery/

The way to Get rid of LiPo Batteries

Previous and broken LiPo batteries must be disposed of correctly. Be taught in regards to the alternative 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 protected to make use of or retailer.

Q: What causes LiPo batteries to grow to be swollen? A: LiPo batteries swell when gasoline will get trapped contained in the cells. This will happen naturally, however bodily abuse (resembling injury, overheating, or over-discharging) could cause the battery to generate extra gasoline.

Q: Can I repair a puffed LiPo battery? A: No, you may’t. As soon as a LiPo battery turns into swollen, it’s irreversible. Get rid of it correctly as quickly as potential.

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 new batteries are a controversial matter within the FPV neighborhood. Some imagine that new batteries ought to undergo a collection of sluggish cost and discharge cycles earlier than being absolutely utilized. Others, like myself, have tried this technique and located no noticeable distinction. For extra dialogue on the subject, see this discussion board thread.

Technical Phrases

• Lower-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 once you cost and discharge a battery. The cycle life is the whole variety of cycles the battery will final
• State of cost – the power degree of a battery from 0% to 100%.
• Burst C-Score – the utmost discharge fee over a brief time period (usually inside 10 seconds)

Conclusion

Congratulations, you made it!

Hopefully, you’ve realized one thing about LiPo batteries and how one can use them safely. Nevertheless, this information doesn’t cowl every part you could know. In case you’re unsure about something, proceed researching to make sure you’re dealing with your LiPo batteries as safely as potential. Pleased flying.

Edit Historical past

• 2017 – Article created.
• 2018 – Added product suggestions.
• 2019 – Up to date Clarification of Cell Rely and IR, added information on “how one can cost”.
• 2023 – Up to date information.
• Might 2024 – Up to date information and product suggestions.