Lithium Polymer (LiPo) batteries are renowned for their high energy density and lightweight properties, making them a favourite choice in everything from RC hobby platforms to the latest portable gadgets. However, like all high-energy devices, they have maintenance and performance issues. In this blog, we’ll delve into some common problems with your LiPo battery, explore ways to potentially rejuvenate it, and discuss the critical signs indicating it’s time to retire it.
Swollen Batteries: The Warning Sign
Swelling in a LiPo battery is an alarming indicator of potential failure and should never be overlooked. This swelling occurs due to the build-up of gases within the battery’s cells, typically caused by improper charging practices, physical damage, or natural wear from excessive use. The danger of using a swollen LiPo battery extends beyond poor performance—it can lead to catastrophic outcomes such as fire or even explosions, particularly if the battery is punctured or continues to be stressed under load.
Adhere strictly to the recommended charging practices to prevent your Drone battery from swelling. Always use a charger that matches the battery’s specifications, and avoid leaving the battery to charge unattended or overnight. Overcharging and deep discharging are common mistakes that stress the battery’s cells and can lead to swelling. Furthermore, keeping your Drone battery from extreme temperatures and physical shocks can extend its life and prevent dangerous malfunctions.
Dealing with Reduced Capacity
Over time, LiPo batteries inevitably experience a decrease in capacity. This reduced capacity means your battery won’t last as long on a charge as it did when it was new, which can be particularly noticeable in high-drain devices like drones or RC cars. This deterioration results from the natural ageing process of the battery’s chemicals, compounded by the number of charge-discharge cycles it has undergone.
To effectively manage reduced capacity, maintain your LiPo battery’s health by storing it properly when not in use. If you plan on using them for only a few weeks or more, storing LiPo batteries at approximately 50% charge is best. Storing batteries either fully charged or fully depleted can accelerate the reduction in capacity. Additionally, please keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to minimise the stress of extreme temperatures.
Can You Rejuvenate a LiPo Battery?
While you cannot completely restore an old LiPo battery to its original capacity, certain practices can help maximise its remaining life and performance. Balancing your LiPo battery, which involves ensuring all cells in the battery are charged to an equal voltage level, is crucial. This balance can be achieved through chargers that support balance charging, which helps extend the battery’s functional lifespan.
Regular maintenance, such as cleaning the battery’s contacts and ensuring the connections are secure, can also enhance performance. Dust and debris can cause poor connections, leading to inconsistent performance and additional strain on the battery. While these steps can improve a LiPo battery’s efficiency, they are not a remedy for batteries that have already suffered significant wear or damage.
Knowing When to Retire Your LiPo Battery
Recognising when to retire your LiPo battery is essential for your device’s safety and reliability. If your battery shows significant swelling, it is a clear sign that it should no longer be used. Likewise, a noticeable drop in performance, where the battery discharges quickly or doesn’t hold a charge as it used to, indicates that it’s nearing the end of its effective lifespan.
Physical damage, such as tears or punctures in the battery casing, can expose the internal components to the environment, leading to dangerous chemical reactions. This should be a signal for immediate replacement. Moreover, consider your battery’s age and usage pattern—typically, a LiPo battery lasts about 300-500 charge cycles. Beyond this, it will likely suffer from diminished performance and could fail.
Voltage Sag: A Sign of Aging or Overuse
Voltage sag refers to a temporary drop in the voltage of a LiPo battery under load, which becomes more pronounced as the battery ages or is frequently used in high-drain applications. This can manifest as a sudden loss of power in devices like RC cars or drones during intense manoeuvres or operations. To mitigate voltage sag, ensure that your LiPo battery is suitable for the energy demands of your device and regularly monitored for performance degradation. Using a battery with a higher C-rating, which indicates a higher discharge rate capability, can also help manage or reduce voltage sag in demanding scenarios.
Unexpected Leaking: Handling Chemical Hazards
Although less common, leaking is a severe issue with LiPo batteries that are significantly damaged or improperly handled. A leak in a LiPo battery can expose corrosive chemicals that are hazardous to humans and the environment. If you notice any unusual stains or wetness around your LiPo battery, mishandling it carefully is crucial. Place the battery in a safe, non-flammable container and consult a professional for proper disposal. Never puncture, crush, or expose your LiPo battery to extreme mechanical stress to prevent leaks.
Charge Retention Issues: Identifying Poor Health
Charge retention issues are another sign that your LiPo battery may be nearing the end of its useful life. If your battery loses charge unusually quickly, even when unused, it might suffer internal degradation or damage. This problem can be exacerbated by storing the battery in too-hot or too-cold conditions, which affects the battery’s internal chemistry. To improve charge retention, store your LiPo battery in a cool, dry place and maintain a storage charge level of around 50% if you plan to store it for long periods. Regular, moderate use can also help keep the battery’s health better than long periods of inactivity.
While LiPo batteries offer numerous advantages, understanding how to troubleshoot common issues is essential for anyone looking to make the most out of their devices. Regular maintenance, proper storage, and being vigilant about your LiPo battery’s condition can go a long way in ensuring your battery serves you well without posing risks. Remember, when in doubt about the condition of your LiPo battery, it’s safer to replace it from RC Battery stores online than to risk the consequences of a failed battery.
