What to do with extra batteries

[Riptide]

Since batteries are consumables and the future is uncertain, I've picked up a some extras for a few of my drones. For longevity purposes do you think it would be better to just include them in the current rotation so that I end up with even usage (cycles) among all I own, or would it be more advantageous to bring the new ones to storage capacity (40%-60%), put them in an air tight container with a few desiccant packets, and store them in the fridge until the ones I'm using become unusable? I'm leaning towards the first option, but wanted to get some feedback. Thanks

 

[mavic3usa]

Since batteries are consumables and the future is uncertain, I've picked up a some extras for a few of my drones. For longevity purposes do you think it would be better to just include them in the current rotation so that I end up with even usage (cycles) among all I own, or would it be more advantageous to bring the new ones to storage capacity (40%-60%), put them in an air tight container with a few desiccant packets, and store them in the fridge until the ones I'm using become unusable? I'm leaning towards the first option, but wanted to get some feedback. Thanks

I don't know that it takes all that to keep them stored but I plan to use *all* batteries in a slow rotation cycle rather than try to squirrel away a set. If I have long term batteries for storage, they are packed away inside an unopened drone kit.

 

[GadgetGuy]

Since batteries are consumables and the future is uncertain, I've picked up a some extras for a few of my drones. For longevity purposes do you think it would be better to just include them in the current rotation so that I end up with even usage (cycles) among all I own, or would it be more advantageous to bring the new ones to storage capacity (40%-60%), put them in an air tight container with a few desiccant packets, and store them in the fridge until the ones I'm using become unusable? I'm leaning towards the first option, but wanted to get some feedback. Thanks

Unused, new ones are theoretically supposed to be in a long term hibernation state, sealed in a retail box, that should not require any maintenance, designed for long term storage, from the factory until sale and placed into service, which could be several years. Once charged and activated, they then require regular maintenance.

 

[Rchawks]

That’s good to know. I’m doing the rotation method with all my batteries. I have 12 batteries for my neos and three for each of my other drones. I’ve made a chart to track which ones need to be cycled according to # of charges. My oldest drone is the A2 and all 3 batteries still work great and are at least 4-5 years old, each with 70+ charges.

 

[Cafguy]

and store them in the fridge until the ones I'm using become unusable?

DON'T DO THAT!!!!! Your batteries will condensate in a fridge!. Just a cool space away from direct sunlight is fine.
Keep them at storage (60%) till day of flight...use them...Re-charge to 60 and store.
You also dont want an airtight container, You just need something like a "Li-Po Bag", or I like to use old army ammo containers.
If you use an ammo container make sure to remove the rubber "seal" from the lid...... You want your batteries to get at least a little air while stored.
NEVER store a fully charged or Fully depleted Battery in an airtight container!

 

[Rchawks]

What’s the best (for the health) level of discharge for the battery, before recharging to storage level’s of 60%? Does it matter? Is it ok just to discharge to 60% for storage or more important to go to 20-30% then recharge to 60% for storage until next use?

 

[Cafguy]

What’s the best (for the health) level of discharge for the battery, before recharging to storage level’s of 60%? Does it matter? Is it ok just to discharge to 60% for storage or more important to go to 20-30% then recharge to 60% for storage until next use?

As long as you keep them as close to a storage charge as possible while not in use any way will work fine.
I don't have a "gauge" so I just charge up a bunch of USB devices with the "leftover" till the battery is almost gone, and then I charge them back to storage.

 

[Starz]

wanted to get some feedback

Post number three is the best solution.

 

[Riptide]

Unused, new ones are theoretically supposed to be in a long term hibernation state, sealed in a retail box, that should not require any maintenance, designed for long term storage, from the factory until sale and placed into service, which could be several years. Once charged and activated, they then require regular maintenance.

This is very good to know. I haven't actually taken them out of the box yet so I'll just leave them unused and store them in the part of my house that is always 68F or cooler.

 

[GeorgiaPI]

I thought DJI batteries put themselves in storage mode.

 

[Daniel NZDF]

I've just made a video on Lipo safety: Lipo safety 101 Video

 

[Starz]

I thought DJI batteries put themselves in storage mode.

There is a difference between storage mode and hibernation mode.
Once the battery is activated, hibernation mode is not available.

 

[Riptide]

There is a difference between storage mode and hibernation mode.
Once the battery is activated, hibernation mode is not available.

Guessing the answer is no but is there a way to tell if a battery is in hibernation mode without activating? I recently bought an open box Mavic 3 battery from camrise. Mine had zero cycles on it so it was probably in hibernation until I put it in the drone. Based on eBay feedback, some are low cycles while some are 0. I'd like to buy another and if I could confirm hibernation I'd leave it that way.

 

[Starz]

If I remember correctly, and if I’m incorrect, hopefully someone will fix that, if you push the power button on one that’s in hibernation mode, no lights would appear.
It exits hibernation mode the first time it’s charged.
Again, let’s wait on more comments and see if I’m getting this right.

 

[ChristianPFC]

I would put them in the fridge in an airtight container with desiccant. The important part is to avoid condensation. New or activated silica gel and preferably a metal or glass container. Water can go through plastic as water vapor.

Furthermore, I recently bought a USB-Tester to measure the exact charge and energy that goes into my batteries (from 5 to 100%), to track capacity loss over years (no data yet as I just started drone and USB-Tester).

 

[Starz]

recently bought a USB-Tester

Link ?

 

[ChristianPFC]

Universal usb Type C digital tester ที่วัดกระแสไฟ แรงดันไฟ ขณะชาร์จ Type - C Usb Meter Tester Lcd | Lazada.co.th

I bought this one (I'm currently in Thailand, therefore from their Thai website and had it delivered here). There are many other models that would do the same job.