The ultra-low temperature and high specific energy lithium battery developed by the team of researcher Chen Zhongwei of the Power Battery and System Research Department (DNL29) of the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, was adapted for a six-rotor drone and successfully tested in the extremely cold environment of minus 36 degrees Celsius in Mohe.According to reports, during this test flight, the six-rotor UAV equipped with a high-energy lithium battery had a stable flight attitude under extremely low temperatures and reached the cruising range; it completed a number of flight tests such as quick start, high-altitude hovering and complex path cruising.
The voltage output was stable throughout the flight, and there were no power fluctuations or sudden power outages caused by ultra-low temperatures, which fully verified its low-temperature adaptability and reliability.
In order to overcome the problem of performance degradation of lithium batteries in ultra-low temperature environments, Chen Zhongwei's team significantly broadened the battery's operating temperature range through innovative electrolyte formulas and negative electrode material modification technologies to ensure stable output power in the extreme temperature range of -40°C to 50°C.
In addition, the team aimed at the pain point of "mileage reduction" in extremely cold environments. Through adaptive thermal management technology and low-temperature impedance optimization design, the battery's cruising range attenuation rate in -40°C low temperature environment was controlled to less than 10% of that at normal temperature, which is far lower than the industry average (usually attenuation of 30% to 50%). This allows drones to perform missions in low-temperature areas such as polar regions and high altitudes without having to return frequently due to a significant reduction in battery life, thus improving operational efficiency.
The successful test flight of ultra-low temperature and high specific energy lithium battery adapted for a six-rotor drone in an extremely cold environment marks a new breakthrough in high-performance drone power battery technology.
The Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, said that the team will further optimize battery performance in the future and promote its application in more extreme environment equipment.