Battery Innovation Enables Drones to Fly in Cold Temperatures
Light House Denver – Flying drones in cold temperatures has become a reality thanks to a breakthrough in battery technology achieved by researchers in China. They developed a high-energy-density lithium battery specifically designed for environments with extremely low temperatures. This battery successfully supported a drone in completing flight tests in the northernmost city of China, where temperatures reached an extreme minus 36 degrees Celsius.
This innovation was developed by the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics (DICP) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). It holds great promise for applications in extreme environments. These include polar expeditions, border patrols, disaster rescue operations, and logistics in extremely cold regions. The test conducted on a hexacopter drone demonstrated remarkable flight stability, overcoming the challenges posed by such extreme temperatures.
“Continue Reading: Teaching Children Not to Litter from an Early Age”
Chen Zhongwei, the leader of the battery project research team, stated that this testing marks an important breakthrough in battery technology for high-performance drones. The tested drone was able to start up quickly, hover at altitude, and navigate complex routes without voltage fluctuations or sudden power loss. This highlights the reliability of the battery in maintaining performance in low temperatures.
The research team, led by Chen Zhongwei, successfully addressed the issue of lithium battery performance degradation in extremely cold temperatures. They achieved this by innovating in electrolyte formulations and modifying anode materials. These advancements enable the battery to deliver stable power output. The battery can now operate effectively at temperatures ranging from minus 40 to minus 50 degrees Celsius, which is a significant achievement.
Additionally, the team integrated adaptive thermal management technology and low-temperature impedance optimization. This technology reduces the battery’s performance drop at minus 40 degrees Celsius to less than 10 percent of its normal capacity. This is much better than the industry average, which ranges from 30 to 50 percent. As a result, the leap significantly extends the duration of drone missions. This is especially beneficial in polar or high-altitude regions, minimizing the frequency of battery recharges.
According to Chen, these advancements significantly extend the mission duration of drones operating in extreme temperature regions. Further development of this technology is expected to expand its applications to various equipment that requires high endurance in extreme environments, including in fields such as rescue operations, surveillance, and exploration.
With this breakthrough, the future of drones in cold temperatures looks promising. It offers great potential for missions in polar regions and areas with harsh weather conditions.
“Read More: Phone Restarting on Its Own? Here’s Why”
