China finds solution to overcome lithium battery weakness

Drone in testing. Photo: Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics

According to Science Direct, the rapid development of globalization has significantly increased the demand for energy, thus promoting the search for new energy sources. Lithium batteries are the preferred energy storage device today, present in many industries, from drones to electric vehicles...

Despite its great potential, lithium batteries have a serious weakness at low temperatures. When operating in low-temperature environments, lithium battery performance metrics such as capacity, output power and cycle life are significantly reduced.

Studies show that in environments with temperatures below -40 degrees Celsius, battery capacity can be reduced by 12%. Notably, 38% of China's territory is likely to experience temperatures below -20 degrees Celsius during the year, which poses many challenges for lithium batteries.

On March 16, the Science and Technology Daily reported that a team of researchers from the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics led by Chen Zhongwei tested lithium batteries in drones flying in extremely low temperatures in Mohe City, Heilongjiang Province, Northeast China.

The drone tested performed reliably in extremely low temperatures, opening up new potential for extreme airborne operations. By maintaining stable performance at -36 degrees Celsius, the battery ensures uninterrupted power supply, making it a promising solution for critical applications such as polar exploration, border patrol, disaster relief and logistics.

During the test flight, the drone remained stable and met endurance expectations despite the cold weather. The drone successfully completed a series of criteria, including rapid start-up, high-altitude hovering, and complex route navigation. Furthermore, the battery maintained a stable capacity, without any drops or unexpected power loss in the extreme cold conditions.

To overcome the degradation of lithium batteries in extreme cold conditions, the research team at the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics improved the device by optimizing the electrolyte formula and modifying the anode material, significantly expanding the battery's operating temperature range. As a result, the new battery can provide continuous power across a temperature range of -40°C to 50°C.

Additionally, the researchers improved the battery’s cold-weather range by using adaptive thermal management and low-temperature impedance design. As a result, the battery’s durability loss at -40°C was less than 10%, significantly better than the current average of 30-50%. This means the new battery could help drones complete missions in cold, high-altitude areas without frequent recharging.

Mr. Chen Zhongwei added that the research team will continue to improve battery performance and expand the application of this device in harsh environments.