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

[gleavitt513]

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.

 

[GFields]

Discard swelling batteries.

 

[msinger]

Will this become a more dangerous problem in the future? Would this become a problem in hotter weather?

While it may not be extremely dangerous to continue using them (aside from the risk of failure), you should never charge damaged batteries. They could catch fire during charging. You should dispose of them and buy new batteries.

 

[gleavitt513]

Discard swelling batteries.

Unfortunately what I might have to do.

 

[gleavitt513]

While it may not be extremely dangerous to continue using them (aside from the risk of failure), you should never charge damaged batteries. They could catch fire during charging. You should dispose of them and buy new batteries.

As I don't have any other batteries, I may end up using them for a little while longer. How do I know when they are at the end of their lifespan? They don't swell or get warm when charging.

 

[msinger]

How do I know when they are at the end of their lifespan?

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.

 

[Itzmyobsession]

Discard them safely...just had to purchase 3 new batteries for my mini 2.
All 3 started to exhibit the same swelling your seeing. Purchased OEM batteries from DJI.
Didn't want to potentially burn my house down for the sake of a $40.00 battery

 

[Erk1024]

FYI,

This is more likely to happen if your batteries are kept charged at 100% for long periods. Better to store them at 80% or lower. I think 65% is optimal, but anything in the 30-80% range is good.

If I charge up my batteries and then don't end up using them on a flight, then I take the drone out on the street and do a quick flight to get them down to a reasonable level. Ten minutes of hovering in the living room works too.

 

[Dronecation]

As I don't have any other batteries, I may end up using them for a little while longer. How do I know when they are at the end of their lifespan? They don't swell or get warm when charging.

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.

 

[msinger]

Contact DJI and ask them about the batteries

From the DJI Battery Safety Guidelines here:

"DO NOT use or charge swollen, leaky, or damaged batteries"

 

[gleavitt513]

Don't charge when swelled and hot.

I try to let them cool down before I start charging again.

 

[gleavitt513]

FYI,

This is more likely to happen if you keep your batteries are kept charged at 100% for long periods. Better to store them at 80% or lower. I think 65% is optimal, but anything in the 30-80% range is good.

If I charge up my batteries and then don't end up using them on a flight, then I take the drone out on the street and do a quick flight to get them down to a reasonable level. Ten minutes of hovering in the living room works too.

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

 

[Cafguy]

DO NOT CHARGE THEM! You can burn down your house very easily doing that!!!
Also if they swell too much in flight, They wont come out of the Drone and then you will have to wrench them out.

 

[Dronecation]

I try to let them cool down before I start charging again.

Which is a good thing to do. Remember, there are different types of swelling. The 5 batteries I alternatively use over several years have slight swelling from time to time and that is dependent on weather and how hard I work the drone. The swelling has not made it hard to remove from the drone itself, nor insert into the drone. If it were to get worse, then disposing of the batteries would make sense.

 

[Dronecation]

From the DJI Battery Safety Guidelines here:

"DO NOT use or charge swollen, leaky, or damaged batteries"

That is an obvious given for most. But he asked about slightly swollen, and it recedes quickly. Swollen can vary extensively.

 

[msinger]

But he asked about slightly swollen

It doesn't matter how much the battery has swollen. Swelling is a clear sign of damage. Using a swollen battery is unsafe, and there is no safe way to continue using it.

Rather than giving the OP false hope, we should give honest advice and help him address the issue properly. If he insists on charging these batteries at home, he should at least inform his parents, as they would likely object once they understand the risks.

 

[Itzmyobsession]

It doesn't matter how much the battery has swollen. Swelling is a clear sign of damage. Using a swollen battery is unsafe, and there is no safe way to continue using it.

Rather than giving the OP false hope, we should give honest advice and help him address the issue properly. If he insists on charging these batteries at home, he should at least inform his parents, as they would likely object once they understand the risks.

 

[Dronecation]

It doesn't matter how much the battery has swollen. Swelling is a clear sign of damage. Using a swollen battery is unsafe, and there is no safe way to continue using it.

Rather than giving the OP false hope, we should give honest advice and help him address the issue properly. If he insists on charging these batteries at home, he should at least inform his parents, as they would likely object once they understand the risks.

Operational swelling that is 'slight' is not that big of a risk factor. I think you are overly dramatizing the scenario. As I mentioned previously, if the swelling is more advanced, then yes, the batteries should not be used.

 

[gleavitt513]

DO NOT CHARGE THEM! You can burn down your house very easily doing that!!!
Also if they swell too much in flight, They wont come out of the Drone and then you will have to wrench them out.

They do not swell anywhere near that much, as I said before, they swelled so little it was only noticeable putting a straight edge onto the underside of the battery. They have no problems being placed into or removed from the drone.

 

[gleavitt513]

It doesn't matter how much the battery has swollen. Swelling is a clear sign of damage. Using a swollen battery is unsafe, and there is no safe way to continue using it.

Rather than giving the OP false hope, we should give honest advice and help him address the issue properly. If he insists on charging these batteries at home, he should at least inform his parents, as they would likely object once they understand the risks.

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.