Drones Batteries Life- How Long Do They Last?
An exploration into the lifespan of drone batteries
Image Source: Shutterstock
You can blog flawlessly with drones! Imagine yourself as a travel blogger who uses drones to create a fascinating film. You would want to know how long its battery lasts, wouldn’t you? Batteries are the core part of any drone and directly impact the performance of the drone. For instance, if a drone’s battery crashes during your blogging, it might cause a problem for you. To ensure that you fulfil your purpose of filming the captivating series, it is crucial to understand the battery life in detail. Continue reading to learn about the battery types, their lifespan, performance-affecting factors, and more in detail.
How Long Do Drone Batteries Last?
Battery life is an important factor to consider when purchasing drones, especially if you have to use the drone for photography, inspection, rescue, and mapping. The battery life depends on the quality of the drone. Usually, the lifespan of a drone battery is between 5 and 40 minutes. However, different types of drones have different battery lives, as discussed in the table below:
Type of Drone | Drone Battery Life |
Toy drones | 5 minutes |
Lower quality drones | 5-10 minutes |
Mid-range drones | 15-20 minutes |
Professional drones | 20-30 minutes |
Large drones | 30-40 minutes |
Types of Drone Batteries
Drone batteries are the essence of their overall performance. It significantly impacts the overall flight duration, speed and stability of the drone. Thus, it is important to know about the different batteries that are commonly used in drones. Read the section below to understand the different types of batteries available.
- LITHIUM-POLYMER (LiPo):
These are rechargeable and light-weight batteries that use a polymer electrolyte over a liquid one. LiPo batteries are ideal for high-power applications like drones as they provide a high discharge rate. However, these types of batteries demand special attention when charging. Moreover, you should be more cautious while storing LiPo batteries, as they are more likely to catch fire.
Image Source: Shutterstock
- LITHIUM-ION POLYMER (LI-ION POLYMER):
These types of batteries are much safer in comparison to LiPo batteries. They have a slightly lower density and provide a lower discharge rate than LiPo batteries. However, the lifespan of lithium-ion polymer drone batteries is longer.
Image Source: Shutterstock
- LITHIUM-ION (LI-ION):
It is the most widely used type of battery because of its features like high energy density, being lightweight, and having a decent lifespan. From electric cars to drones, you can find LI-ION batteries used in a wide range of applications. However, because of their chemical properties, they can be hazardous if damaged or charged incorrectly, increasing the possibility of an explosion or fire.
Image Source: Shutterstock
- NICKEL METAL HYDRIDE (NiMH):
NiMH batteries have a lower energy density in comparison to lithium-based batteries. Despite being cost-effective and less risky, these types of batteries are used in less demanding applications because they offer less performance. Furthermore, NiMH batteries reduce their effectiveness over time as they suffer from memory effect problems. For instance, if you charge NiMH batteries repeatedly before they are fully depleted, they might “remember” in a small capacity.
Image Source: Shutterstock
Factors That Affect the Drone Battery Life
Numerous factors, such as size, battery capacity, weight, operating temperature and storage, impact the battery life of the drone. Let’s understand the factors that impact the lifespan of a drone battery in detail.
- Battery Capacity:
The first major factor that impacts its lifespan is the battery capacity. The battery will last longer if it has a higher capacity, as it will be able to store more energy and enhance the flight time of the drone.
- Operating Temperature:
Another crucial factor that affects the battery’s life is the operating temperature. Extreme temperatures on a drone can cause battery damage. While using outdated software and improper charging techniques can strain the battery, firmware updates and the use of compatible chargers can also extend battery life.
- Additional Features:
Most bloggers add other features like a recorder, sensor, and camera to their drones. The add-on features can make the drone heavier, resulting in reduced flight time and battery life.
Ways To Prolong a Drone Battery Life
As a blogger, you might be worried about the reduced battery life. Well, don’t be! Here are some tips to prolong the lifespan of a battery:
- Switch to a Better Battery:
You can always switch to a better battery with a higher capacity and lower weight to increase the flight time and lifespan of a drone’s battery. Remember that the switch might cost you more, but it conserves power and provides a longer flight time.
- Charge Fully Before the Flight:
To begin with, ensure that your drone battery is fully charged at the time of flight. Charging fully is healthy for a drone’s battery and increases the flight range. Furthermore, charge your backup batteries for a seamless flying experience. Remember that some batteries, like LiPo, begin to discharge when the charger is unplugged. Therefore, it’s best to use them immediately after charging to let the drone fly in the air for longer.
- Carry Spare Drone Batteries:
Another way to increase the flight time of your drone is to use backup batteries. They will ensure that your drone does not run out of energy, resulting in a longer and better drone flight session. Make sure that you purchase high-capacity backup batteries for the best results.
- Fly in the Appropriate Weather:
You must have heard about the aeroplane flight cancellation news due to foggy temperatures. Likewise, weather plays an important role in flying the unmanned aerial vehicles. It is best to fly your drone on calm and bright days. If you have a waterproof drone, you can fly it in during rain, snow, or fog. However, flying the drone in the rain drains the battery faster and might cause irreversible damage if moisture enters the drone motor.
- Minimise Add-ons:
Unnecessary weight can cause the battery to drain quickly. It is crucial to be selective while adding extra features for a specific flight. For instance, remove the camera from the drone if you don’t use it to take photos and videos. The camera increases the weight and causes the battery to drain faster.
- Use Proper Flight Modes:
When flying a drone, it is crucial to use the proper flight mode. For example, you can extend the battery life and increase the flight time of your drone by flying it in energy-saving mode rather than racing mode. Make sure that you maintain a drone battery level in the best condition. Fully charge it every three months if you don’t use your drone regularly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding how long drone batteries last is crucial for bloggers. A drone’s battery life depends on factors such as battery type, capacity, operating temperature and more. Ensure that you select the right battery to enjoy extended flight time. You can compare the features of different battery types to select the most suitable one for your drone. Furthermore, you can prolong the drone’s battery life by using proper flight modes, minimising add-ons, and others that are discussed in this article.
Why trust Brownspace?
At Brownspace, we write about what matters most to the audience. We do well-researched work to provide in-depth knowledge of drones. Additionally, we interview people using drones to ensure the credibility of the drones used and offer real-life user experience to our readers.
Hi, drone enthusiasts! Born with a natural curiosity for the skies, I developed a love for drones early in life. I began flying drones in 2017 and have since piloted some of the best drones available, such as the Yuneec Typhoon, DJI Mini, Mavic Pro, Hover Camera, and Phantom 3. With passion for drones and expertise gained over the years, I would love to share my knowledge of drones at Brownspace. Stay tuned for an insider’s perspective about drones.
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