Drone operation in winter: Tips for batteries and cold

The drone winter operations must be carried out taking into account the rigorous environmental aspects of the season of the year in which we are.

Because many jobs through RPAS must be developed in the mountains or because the drop in temperatures in many parts of Spain in winter is widespread, we must take extreme precautions because of the low temperatures.

The extreme cold affects very negatively the batteries of any electronic device, reducing the delivery of power necessary for its normal operation. The use of electronic devices in mountain generally affects the duration of the batteries. The autonomy of the devices does not even come close to the nominal with very low temperatures.

In the case of drone operations, flight batteries should be taken care of as best as possible. This care goes through a routine maintenance throughout the year, based on the following points:
- Operation of the battery within the temperature ranges recommended by the manufacturer.
- Charge the batteries with the equipment supplied or recommended by the manufacturer.
- Li-Po batteries, mostly used as RPAS batteries, should be stored in an optimal state of charge to ensure their durability over time without being used.
- Subject the batteries to deep charge cycles before any operation if the battery has been stored for a long time.

For example, drone manufacturer DJI supplies smart batteries, with some electronics. The electronics that have their batteries, among other functions, cause them to enter discharge cycles to ensure their durability when they are not used for several days.

It is therefore advisable before carrying out an operation in a very cold environment, either in a mountainous environment or due to the lowering of winter temperatures, previously charging the flight batteries shortly before the planned flight. In this way we will make sure that the batteries are not in their discharge cycle and are ready to give us their full potential during the flight.

When the flight is to take place, it is necessary that the flight batteries leave with a minimum temperature that guarantees their correct operation and thus avoid scares. Therefore, we must ensure that the batteries are at 20ºC before starting the flight. To do this, they should be preheated by holding them in hot places and they should not be exposed to the weather any longer than they should be so that their temperature does not drop sharply. Once the battery is turned on in the drone, it is also advisable to start the motors on the ground so that the battery does not lose temperature during the pre-flight checks.

During the flight, we must continuously monitor the remaining battery percentage and the operating voltage of each cell to ensure the stability of the battery against low temperatures.

If very demanding maneuvers are performed for the battery, being very cold, the delivery of energy and therefore the safety of the flight will be compromised.

Pay attention to abrupt drops in the percentage of remaining battery charge, since in cold environments they are very common.

It is also highly recommended not to drain the batteries to the maximum and land with a margin of 30% or higher. In this way we will always have reservations for any unforeseen event.

Also pay special attention to the battery of the control device (command) and to a lesser extent because it is not vital for the development of the flight to the mobile devices that provide us with the flight data. When not being able to autoheat and when being exposed, both systems will see very committed the durability of his battery in very cold atmospheres.

These basic tips will make winter flights with cold environments safe and we can enjoy the experience and the environment without taking any displeasure. The manufacturers publish in their manuals tips for using their equipment in very cold environments. Do not stop reading them.

Enjoy winter flying safely.

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