Batteries slightly swelling after flight...cause of concern?

[GadgetGuy]

What is the normal lifespan for such batteries? I took very good care of them, and am wondering if I did something wrong I should prevent next time, or if this is just the normal life time with normal care.

DJI batteries are known for swelling based upon age rather than usage. The alarmist posts above are well-intended but inaccurate. The biggest concern with DJI batteries that swell is a potential disconnection during flight when they heat up during usage. Mavic 2 and Air 2 batteries are the worst for swelling because they can potentially lift themselves out off the battery seat resulting in an electrical contact disconnection. They aren't going to explode. One solution is a velcro strap around the battery and the fuselage to keep them connected during flight. Obviously, unswelled batteries are preferred, but slight swelling is normal. When it becomes too extreme, don't use them for flight, just for FW updates on the ground. You can also attempt to have DJI replace them. They have often done so in the past.

 

[waynorth]

One solution is a velcro strap around the battery and the fuselage to keep them connected during flight.

Yes, that works. Also a zip tie will do.
I have one of these clamps:

FEICHAO Battery Guard Protective Case Battery Buckle Holder for Mavic 2 Pro/Zoom | eBay

FEICHAO 3D Printed Battery Guard Protective Case Battery Buckle Flight Anti-slip Clip Holder for Mavic 2 Pro Zoom Accessories. This Mavic 2 Pro/Zoom battery bulge anti-dropping buckle is made of 3D printed one-piece plastic material, using double screws to lock it to enhance safety, and the...

www.ebay.com

No way the battery comes loose!

I keep an eye on the battery voltage for each cell when flying, and land immediately if I see some irregularities.

 

[GadgetGuy]

Yes, that works. Also a zip tie will do.
I have one of these clamps:

FEICHAO Battery Guard Protective Case Battery Buckle Holder for Mavic 2 Pro/Zoom | eBay

FEICHAO 3D Printed Battery Guard Protective Case Battery Buckle Flight Anti-slip Clip Holder for Mavic 2 Pro Zoom Accessories. This Mavic 2 Pro/Zoom battery bulge anti-dropping buckle is made of 3D printed one-piece plastic material, using double screws to lock it to enhance safety, and the...

www.ebay.com

No way the battery comes loose!

I keep an eye on the battery voltage for each cell when flying, and land immediately if I see some irregularities.

This one is even cheaper.

Anti-Fall Battery Stable Retainer Holder For DJI Mavic 2 Pro/Zoom ACUS | eBay

Battery Back Glass Cover for Samsung Galaxy S7 S8 S9 S10 S20 S21 S22 S23 ACUS. New Ear Pads Cushion Cover for Skullcandy Crusher 3.0 Wireless Headphones ACUS. Carrying Case for DJI Mini 3/Mini 3/4 Pro Drone Shoulder Bag Original Black.

www.ebay.com

 

[Cafguy]

TAKE HEED I would also add if you are doing part 107 flights and are insured, You CANNOT use those batteries. The "ALARMISTS" above are trying to save your home or a bystander from being hit by a falling Drone.
If the Batteries are swelling "a little" now it will only get worse!

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[GadgetGuy]

TAKE HEED I would also add if you are doing part 107 flights and are insured, You CANNOT use those batteries. The "ALARMISTS" above are trying to save your home or a bystander from being hit by a falling Drone.
If the Batteries are swelling "a little" now it will only get worse!

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You "can" use any battery you want.
What proof do you have to support your claim that you "may" not do so when doing Part 107 flights with insurance? Surely, the worst that might happen is that your insurance might not cover the flight. You certainly can still fly, though, with a slightly swollen battery, carefully strapped in, even with a 107 and insurance!

Perhaps you also failed to watch the video yourself. The video states the real problem is not a failing battery, but a swelling battery potentially popping out of its connection, which always ends badly, exactly as I and @waynorth have both described, for which we also provided the solution: Simply strap and secure the battery in place, so it cannot pop out. QED.

 

[dart106]

The issue isn't that these batteries are at the end of their lifespan. They're damaged and should be discarded immediately.

Charging damaged batteries is extremely dangerous and could start a fire, potentially destroying your home.

Not worth taking a chance.

 

[Cafguy]

What proof do you have to support your claim that you "may" not do so when doing Part 107 flights with insurance?

If you are insured you agree with the insurance company that you will do a complete and thorough pre-flight. If you notice a swollen battery during preflight and you use it against DJI recommendations Your insurance company will NOT cover the accident you have because of it. You signed an agreement with them that states you will not use a battery that does not meet the Manufacturers standards for safe flight.

 

[Felix le Chat]

If you have a drone battery that is "...swelling a bit..." during use, how do you know when it stops swelling a bit and starts swelling a lot?

The answer is "...when it pops out of the airframe rebate and the drone drops like a brick..."

Two of my older batteries don't pass the 'rock&twist' test. Not significantly deformed, but deformed enough to create a bit of resistance when they get clipped into the airframe. Once they heat up through use, the gassing that has caused one or more of the cells to bloat gets worse.

They're still useful - use 'em for bench testing and firmware updating... just think very carefully whether it's worth trusting them for a flight

 

[Ptrebor]

I have had my Mavic Air 2 fly more combo for around 3 years now, and it has served me well. However, I have noticed that the batteries will puff ever so slightly after a flight. At first it was hardly noticeable. I couldn't even tell unless I put a ruler against the battery. Although recently the swelling has become more pronounced. It is not severe, but noticeable. The swelling only lasts for a few minutes after a flight, while the batteries are still warm, then it goes back to normal after they cool down. Will this become a more dangerous problem in the future? Would this become a problem in hotter weather? I do also plan on selling my Air 2 soon, could this become a problem for a potential future owner?

Thanks.

Discard it, this is a danger

 

[JTorsrud]

I have had my Mavic Air 2 fly more combo for around 3 years now, and it has served me well. However, I have noticed that the batteries will puff ever so slightly after a flight. At first it was hardly noticeable. I couldn't even tell unless I put a ruler against the battery. Although recently the swelling has become more pronounced. It is not severe, but noticeable. The swelling only lasts for a few minutes after a flight, while the batteries are still warm, then it goes back to normal after they cool down. Will this become a more dangerous problem in the future? Would this become a problem in hotter weather? I do also plan on selling my Air 2 soon, could this become a problem for a potential future owner?

Thanks.

Get rid of them, dispose of them properly! DO NOT USE THEM!

OR

You should make sure your homeowners policy covers FIRE from Exploding Batteries??

 

[spamgnome]

Contact DJI and ask them about the batteries. If it is very slight swelling after flying, and settles down shortly afterwards, then you should be okay for a bit longer. Don't charge when swelled and hot. Never charge them unattended. DJI should guide you to the correct action instead of second guessing answers on the forum.

Actually, DJI may replace them for free. That's what they did for me. They had me film the battery's serial #, and then dunking them in salt water. A few days later, 3 new batteries arrived. Worth a shot.

 

[gleavitt513]

TAKE HEED I would also add if you are doing part 107 flights and are insured, You CANNOT use those batteries. The "ALARMISTS" above are trying to save your home or a bystander from being hit by a falling Drone.
If the Batteries are swelling "a little" now it will only get worse!

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I hope to stop using these batteries *way* before there is even a chance they will pop out during flight. They do *not* swell enough to pop out. (Yet!) I know this because I often remove my batteries seconds after the drone is landed and turned off, (usually to replace/recharge/let cool.) and there is no sign of friction or pressure against the clamps.

 

[gleavitt513]

Actually, DJI may replace them for free. That's what they did for me. They had me film the battery's serial #, and then dunking them in salt water. A few days later, 3 new batteries arrived. Worth a shot.

How does this work? Seems intriguing.

 

[MA2 317]

A well known YouTuber, Captain Drone, had a lipo fire at his residence a couple of years ago.

Here's a video that may help with the prevention of a lipo fire and how to maintain it.

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.

 

[Cafguy]

Honestly your main concern would be them popping out during flight or worse yet NOT popping out, and either getting stuck in the Drone or cracking the body. If you fly it recreationally, I would be careful around people. I have an Air 2S that has been flown WAY past its normal use time, and I have not seen a battery swell enough to be noticed.
NOW, if we are talking weather when you squeeze it, it feels "mushy" before flight and "stiff" after.... well that's normal...Deformation is not.

 

[Erk1024]

Is it better to discharge them manually to 30%-80% or let them automatically discharge for long-term storage? (1-3 weeks)

I think it's better to get them down from 100% sooner rather than later. When they are at 100% the chemical reaction that degrades them happens faster. 3 years sounds about right for a battery that was kept at full charge to start bulging.

Also if the plastic covering on a bulging battery is pierced or starts leaking, the gas is very toxic--not good.

 

[Droning on and on...]

As others have advised, these are done. Properly dispose of them.

Any swelling AT ALL indicates hydrogen gas is being produced during normal discharge. This only happens when one or more cells is compromised. There is a very real, not-insignificant risk of fire or explosion, even just sitting there. The risk goes way, way up during charging.

Plenty of stories of people continuing use after this point, and nothing happens. So what? They were fortunate. The risk is much higher than statistics indicate, because many if not most people discard compromised packs, so the catastrophe that would have happened doesn't.

 

[IronSky1]

Sell the drone without batteries used swollen batteries add no value only risk. They could also fail in transit.

 

[GadgetGuy]

If you are insured you agree with the insurance company that you will do a complete and thorough pre-flight. If you notice a swollen battery during preflight and you use it against DJI recommendations Your insurance company will NOT cover the accident you have because of it. You signed an agreement with them that states you will not use a battery that does not meet the Manufacturers standards for safe flight.

If that is the case, why would you ever tell the insurance company that it was slightly swollen before flight? It would otherwise be impossible for them to prove!
Don't deny your own claim. LOL!

 

[GadgetGuy]

A well known YouTuber, Captain Drone, had a lipo fire at his residence a couple of years ago.

Here's a video that may help with the prevention of a lipo fire and how to maintain it.

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For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

Accept third party cookies

.

It was the charger and not the battery that "failed."
It was also not a DJI charger, nor a DJI battery.
Dude has literally hundreds of LiPo batteries over many years and had a single charger fail only once.
It can happen, but it is clearly more like a lightning strike than a common event.