When Batteries Begin To Expand

[Lets Fly]

At what point are the batteries to be replaced? My oldest original battery is about a year and a half old. The other (red no bulge yet) was purchased 6 months after. Ever since I have had two, I switch them out regularly.
The beginning bulge can just be seen, as you see, and an easy way to check is spinning it on a flat surface. I'm not sure if there is a dangerous point where the bulge becomes a problem, other than fitting
into the battery compartment.
Of corse when you are not sure, I'd say replace it. Just wondering if anyone has experience with this.

 

[simsurf]

Send it back to DJI. I had 4 X 14 month old batteries replaced recently. Never fly with a swollen battery.

 

[MAvic_South_Oz]

Mavic Air battery ?
If so, that's even more of a concern with bottom mount.
Looks like same flush design on the back as the M2 batteries.

 

[Lets Fly]

Yes its an MA. The bulge just started showing up, but it still charges the same, same flight time and battery readings. I was just wondering what, how, and when any failure would take place.
I understand a larger bulge won't fit the compartment properly and not lock in, that would be obvious. As long as they have been around, I would think whatever can happen,( has), and someone would know,
like falling out, fire, explosion, etc., especially DJI.

 

[MAvic_South_Oz]

Yes its an MA. The bulge just started showing up, but it still charges the same, same flight time and battery readings. I was just wondering what, how, and when any failure would take place.
I understand a larger bulge won't fit the compartment properly and not lock in, that would be obvious. As long as they have been around, I would think whatever can happen,( has), and someone would know,
like falling out, fire, explosion, etc., especially DJI.

Swelling lipo = unstable, lipo fire is not good, nor a battery popping out of the clips in flight.
Lipo fire usually takes a little damage still, like a penetration of the case there, maybe ejecting, hitting a rock or other such.
Charging can also be a danger time, so be extra vigilant if you decide to keep it a while longer to test more.

You can overcome battery ejection in flight I suppose, by using a velcro strap (or cable tie) to secure battery in terminals.

It'd be good of some other Air owners can check theirs, both cold but especially when changing over just after a flight, or in the middle of charging when it's warmed up.

Was yours cold or hot (after flight or during a charge) ?
If cold, I would try it on the charger, leave it for 20 mins and see if it's any increase in bulge.
If so, it's going to be more concern during flight, and the securing with velcro strap or cable tie best to test further.

 

[Lets Fly]

Both batteries are always warm after flight. I always wait until they cool down before charging. After charging they are still cool.
I believe i will just replace the bulging one. After a year and a half and a lot of great flights, it owes me nothing.
But I would still like to know if anyone ever had a problem with this.

 

[Lets Fly]

I found that the batteries can swell from over charging, (which our chargers don't do), damage from dropping, or just plain age. I did see this explanation.
"Lithium-ion batteries use a chemical reaction to generate power. As the battery ages, this chemical reaction no longer completes perfectly, which can result in the creation of gas (called outgassing), leading to a swollen battery. Additionally, if the battery’s internal layers do not maintain proper separation (due to damage or defect), outgassing, swelling, and even fire can occur. Swelling is the result of particulates getting caught in between the layers of the battery and eventually puncturing the membrane that separate the layers. If the membrane has been compromised, moisture in the air can react with the cell, causing the cell to swell". So I have no question about it, replace it.

 

[Florida Drone Supply]

Any bulge is a issue and becomes unsafe to handle and to fly with.

 

[Lets Fly]

On another note with the batteries ,I have them skinned with Decal Girl skin which is a fairly heavy plastic.Its real nice on the AC, but I am wondering if this contributes to faster heating of the batteries.
It certainly insulates them and may be affecting the life span contributing to faster bulging. Perhaps we should not wrap batteries, at least those of us living in hot climates. In Florida I am rarely flying
in cold air. I'm taking it off the one battery I have left. and as for me , the new batteries I'm getting will not be skinned.