Stay up to date on all the latest Drone News
June 18, 2024 by Miriam McNabb Leave a Comment Drone Police Lights
DRONELIFE presents this guest post by Douglas Spotted Eagle, Director/Client Experience and Pilot at theLIDARPros and Director of Education Programming at drone training and consulting firm Sundance Media Group. As the temperature rises, this post is a timely reminder that LiPo Batteries require special handling in hot temperatures: and provides a detailed explanation of how best to minimize risk. DRONELIFE neither accepts nor makes payment for guest posts.
by Douglas Spotted Eagle, Director/Client Experience and Pilot at theLIDARPros and Director of Education Programming at Sundance Media Group.
LiPo batteries, also known as lithium polymer batteries, are a popular and common choice for powering Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) because they are lightweight and have a high energy density. These batteries can discharge at high rates, which is necessary for UAS applications, making them a crucial component for both hobbyists and professional operators.
However, it’s important to understand the importance of safety when dealing with LiPo batteries, especially in hot weather or during transportation in vehicles. LiPo batteries are sensitive to changes in temperature, which can pose potential risks that must be managed properly to ensure both safety and performance.
In this article, we will discuss the impact of hot weather on LiPo batteries and provide recommendations for their safe usage. It is crucial to grasp how temperature can affect the overall performance and lifespan of these power sources. By prioritizing safety measures and using correct handling methods, UAS operators can reduce the risks associated with using LiPo batteries in hot weather conditions.
LiPo batteries are highly sensitive to temperature, and exposure to hot weather can have a significant impact on their performance and overall lifespan. Here’s a closer look at how high temperatures can affect LiPo batteries:
To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of LiPo batteries, it is crucial to understand and mitigate the impact of hot weather conditions. In the next section, we will delve into best practices for handling and storing LiPo batteries safely.
LiPo batteries are known for being small, lightweight, and powerful, which is why they are widely used in various devices such as drones and remote-controlled cars. However, it’s important to remember that these batteries can be potentially dangerous if mishandled or improperly stored.
To ensure the safe use of LiPo batteries, it is crucial to:
When dealing with LiPo batteries, it’s essential to handle them with care to minimize the risk of damage or accidents. Here’s what to do:
Proper charging is key to maintaining the safety and longevity of LiPo batteries. Here are some tips for safe charging:
Proper storage is essential when not using LiPo batteries for an extended period. Follow these guidelines for storing LiPo batteries:
By following these best practices for handling, charging, and storage, we can enhance the safety and performance of LiPo batteries while extending their lifespan.
When using LiPo batteries in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) during hot weather conditions, it’s important to follow specific safety guidelines to reduce risks and ensure the safe operation of LiPo-powered tools. Here are some best practices to consider:
The LiDARPROs team use cooler bags designed for hot weather. Do not use ice nor “blue blocks” that could make direct contact with any battery surface. Our bags have thick terry towels separating the batteries from the cooling plate. Place batteries into a cooling bag until it’s time to use them. Do not put a hot battery/just-used battery into a cooling bag. Let the battery cool down prior to storing in the bag. Set the cooler bag to its “warmest” setting. Cooler bags are not freezers, and generally do not dip below 70 degrees (in our experiences). Most of these products offer “15 to 20 degrees lower than ambient temperature.” We do keep a small, relatively accurate thermometer in the bag during the hot months. Some of these products also offer warming capability, for those in very cold winter environments.
By following these best practices, pilots can significantly reduce the risks of using LiPo batteries in hot weather conditions:
These steps are essential for ensuring the safe and optimal performance of the aircraft. Remember, safety should always be a top priority when using LiPo batteries in UAS. Taking these precautions will not only protect expensive equipment but also contribute to the longevity of batteries and overall flight experience.
Storing batteries installed in the UAS is very tempting. However, should a battery begin to puff, it may well “lock” itself into the battery housing of the aircraft, potentially damaging internal components of the UAS. We’ve seen at least one UAS platform destroyed through storing a battery in the battery compartment of the UAS>
It is important to remember the risks of leaving LiPo batteries in hot cars and the importance of responsible battery management. By following proper safety guidelines, we can prevent accidents and ensure the longevity of our batteries, preventing errors, disappointments, and failed flights.
We also encourage readers to share experiences with using LiPo batteries in drones during hot weather conditions. Together, we can learn from each other and create a safer environment for everyone involved.
Douglas Spotted Eagle is the Founder and Director of Educational Programming at Sundance Media Group. SMG serves as a consultant within the sUAS industry, offering training and speaking engagements on sUAS topics: UAV cinematography, commercial and infrastructural sUAS applications, sUAS risk management, night UAV flight, aerial security systems, and 107 training. He is also the Director/Client Experience and Pilot at theLIDARPros, providing deep experience, products and services in LiDAR and photogrammetry.
Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies. For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
Filed Under: DL Exclusive, Drone News, Drone News Feeds, Drones in the News, Featured, Featured - Products, News, Products Tagged With: ChatGPT LiPo battery safety, drone battery management, drone safety tips, hot weather LiPo tips, LiPo battery lifespan, LiPo battery overheating, LiPo battery storage, safe LiPo usage, UAS battery care, unmanned aircraft systems
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.
Coaxial Innovation from Massachusetts Massachusetts-based Ascent AeroSystems offers something unique in the crowded drone market. During a recent visit to…
Continue Reading Inside Ascent AeroSystems: A Revolutionary Approach to Drones
New Technology Aims to Enhance Emergency Response Times The Hempstead Police Department announced plans to deploy a new Drone-as-First-Responder (DFR)…
Continue Reading Hempstead Police Department Introduces Drone-As-First-Responder System from Flock Safety
Axon Introduces Drone Swap Program to Help Agencies Transition to Secure, American-Made Drone Technology Public safety agencies in the U.S.…
Continue Reading SkySwap Program: A New Path for Public Safety Drone Compliance
Dubai’s DXV Facility Sets the Stage for Advanced Air Mobility with Skyports and GCAA’s Vision for Urban Transport Transformation by…
Continue Reading Pioneering the Skies: UAE Approves First Commercial Vertiport for Air Taxis
Collaboration Brings Advanced Agriculture Drones to U.S. Market Drone Nerds, a leading provider of enterprise and agricultural drones, has partnered…
Continue Reading Drone Nerds Expands Support for American Farmers with ABZ Innovation Partnership
The recent New Jersey drone panic has made it clear: people want to know what’s flying in low altitude airspace.…
Continue Reading Closing the Gaps: Why Low-Altitude Airspace Awareness Is Critical for the Future of Aviation
DEXA’s NEPA Testing Highlights Noise Mitigation and Environmental Responsibilit Noise is a major concern for consumers and a critical factor…
Continue Reading Addressing Noise Concerns: A Key to Community Acceptance of Drone Delivery Technology
New Appointment to Support Advocacy and Policy for Commercial Drone Industry The Commercial Drone Alliance (CDA), a non-profit organization focused…
Continue Reading Liz Forro Joins the Commercial Drone Alliance as Policy Director
DJI Flip Combines Safety, Portability, and Professional-Grade Features in a Lightweight Design DJI, a global leader in drone technology, has…
Continue Reading DJI Launches DJI Flip: A Compact Vlog Camera Drone for Safe and Stunning Aerial Photography
New Organization Aims to Enhance Drone Show Safety Following Orlando Incident Stakeholders have formed the International Drone Show Industry Association (IDSIA)…
Continue Reading Drone Show Association Formed to Develop Industry Standards and Safety
About Us | Contact Us | Advertise With Us | Write for Us | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service The Trusted Source for the Business of Drones.
Smart Charing Hub This website uses cookies and third party services. By clicking OK, you are agreeing to our privacy policy. ACCEPT