Storing batteries at 50% charge

[petermag]

There seems to be a number of threads on various battery issues, with some also referring to the idea of storing batteries at 50%.

The indication is that storing LIPOS at 50% (instead of 100%) will increase their longevity, with some assertions that it could effectively double the life of the battery (total number of recharge cycles).

However the topic still seems very confusing with different opinions and no specific recommendation from 3DR to keep the battery at 50%.
Charging the Solo Battery | 3DR | Drone & UAV Technology

Is the 50% recommendation only applicable for long term storage (i.e. weeks/months) and travelling?
I tend to recharge my batteries fully after a flight so that they are ready for the next flight – perhaps in a week or so. Is that ok?

If I am meant to be charging the battery to only 50% after every flight, it seems odd that 3DR don’t appear to indicate this in any documentation. Plus there is no capability of their chargers to do this without you having to watch over them.

My main issue though is that by keeping the batteries at a full charge I am ready to grab the Solo and use it at any opportunity. Having to charge batteries up from 50% just before I use them each time will be very restrictive.

 

[J R]

Is the 50% recommendation only applicable for long term storage (i.e. weeks/months) and travelling?

Peter,

My understanding, as limited as it is, would be to keep the batteries at 30-50% unless you intend to fly soon. I believe keeping them fully charged all of the time will diminish the life of the batteries. I have about 20 lipo's, some about a year and a half old and I haven't had any battery issues following that guideline.

The only reason I'm even answering your question is because I'm probably the only one still up right now. There are many people here that have a great deal more experience and expertise on this matter than I do. I'm sure they'll chime in with more factual information tomorrow. There are some very knowledgable people here.

In the meantime, you might want to do a search of this site for more information (the little magnifying glass at the top of the page) as I know this subject has been discussed many times before. Good luck with your quest for information!

Jerry

 

[Jubalr]

Here is my opinion, and I am no battery expert. Just been flying a long time. Many of the LiPo suggestions were born out of the early days of LiPo batteries. I have seen posts by manufacturers that the technology has improved much since then, but if you are going to store LiPos, they are talking about weeks and months, not between flights. I charge mine fully after every flight and fly them the next time out. Might be a week, to 3 weeks. at 2-3 weeks I will see if they will take a charge. Sometime they do, others they don't. But even when they do, it's just that last blinking light.

I think more critical than storage is not discharging them too far. Generally considered to be no lower than 3.2v per cell but even better to stay above 3.5v. Solo uses 4s so the minimum voltages would be roughly 13-14v. Again, the reason for this is shortening the life of the battery. But you have to remember, many pros I have talked to consider batteries to be a consumable. They will fly their 3D heli or drive their RC car to a lower point to squeeze all they can out of it. If the battery needs replaced in 6 months rather than next year, that's the price they play but it's just a cost of their hobby.

Just my opinion. YMMV! I'm not here to debate battery science, just experience.You can read all kinds of 'dos and don'ts' on the internet. and LiPo opinions are all over the place.

Fly Safe..
Jubal

 

[Jon6565]

Just by way of information - I fully charged all four of my batteries and then didn't fly for about 3 weeks or so. Each of the batteries when used after that period of time was at roughly 55 - 65% charged when using them. My recommendation would be to charge just before your flight - say the night before and if storing longer term (i.e. as per the above - weeks or months) then store them at roughly 50%