LiPo chemistry, however, is a bit more volatile then other battery types so extra care needs to be taken when storing, shipping or transporting. So, they can be stored over a period of 1-2 months and still be ready for flight. Unlike other rechargeable batteries, LiPo batteries hardly self-discharge at all. This means a properly maintained LiPo battery pack can deliver more “oomph” for your drone and keep it in the sky longer. LiPo’s chemical composition allows for higher capacities and higher discharge rates. You can find a deeper dig into the science with this excellent whitepaper by Jauch Technologies.ĭrones and LiPo batteries make for a dynamic duo when it comes to providing longer flight times combined with lower weight and sharper flexibility. The purpose of this article is to provide a high-altitude overview of LiPo technology. LiPo means lithium polymer, and we’ll leave it at that. Just to be clear – we’re not talking about liposuction surgery that Fight Club so disgustingly depicted. And, we’re not using “burn” as a metaphor! While hobby-level drones still tend to offer short flight times, prosumer-class UAVs are staying aloft longer than ever thanks to the humble LiPo battery. However, if you fail to choose, install and maintain your LiPo batteries, your maiden voyage may crash and burn from first launch. Although the initial purchase price of LiFePO4 is higher than lead acid, the longer cycle life can make it a financially sound choice.Taking your drone out for its maiden voyage can be an almost spiritual experience as you watch this majestic aircraft follow your commands (hopefully) as you share in the Wright Brothers’ dream. However, since capacity, weight, operating temperatures and CO2 reduction are large factors in many applications, LiFePO4 batteries are quickly becoming an industry standard. Compared to Lead-Acid batteries the only disadvantage of the LiFePO4 batteries is that they really do not perform well below about 0 degrees Celsius. Because of this they are still used in the majority of electric vehicle applications and starting applications. Lead Acid is a proven technology and can be relatively cheap. The projected life of a Lithium-Ion battery is approximately 3 years from production. Another disadvantage of these types is that Cobalt can be hazardous, raising both health concerns and environmental disposal costs. While Lithium Ion batteries have an intrinsically high energy density, after one year of use the capacity of the Lithium Ion will have fallen so much that the LiFePO4 will have the same energy density, and after two years LiFePO4 will have significantly greater energy density. To help counteract this problem, devices that use Lithium-Ion and Lithium Polymer batteries are required to have extremely sensitive and often expensive electronics to monitor them. This could be especially disastrous in high pressure environments such as airplanes, or in large applications such as electric vehicles. In this chemistry, the oxygen is not strongly bonded to the cobalt, so when the battery heats up, such as in rapid charging or discharging, or just heavy use, the battery can catch fire. The most common type of Lithium-Ion is LiCoO2, or Lithium Cobalt Oxide. Lithium-Ion batteries and Lithium Polymer batteries are the most energy dense of the Lithium batteries, but they are lacking in safety. LiFePO4 life expectancy is approximately 5-7 years. Though less energy-dense than the Lithium-Ion and Lithium Polymer, Iron and Phosphate are abundant and cheaper to extract so costs are much more reasonable. The chemistry is so stable that LiFePO4 batteries will accept a charge from a lead-acid configured battery charger. Due to the oxygen being bonded tightly to the molecule, there is no danger of the battery erupting into flames like there is with Lithium-Ion. The cathode material in LiFePO4 batteries is not hazardous, and so poses no negative health hazards or environmental hazards. The LiFePO4 batteries are the safest type of Lithium batteries as they will not overheat, and even if punctured they will not catch on fire. LiFePO4 (also known as Lithium Iron Phosphate) batteries are a huge improvement over lead acid in weight, capacity and shelf life.
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