Breakthrough in ultra-low-temperature battery powers drone test in minus 36 degrees Celsius

BEIJING -- A drone powered by an ultra-low-temperature high-energy-density lithium battery, developed by Chinese researchers, has successfully completed a flight test in China's northernmost city under extreme cold conditions of minus 36 degrees Celsius.

The breakthrough, announced by the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics (DICP) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), promises robust power solutions for polar expeditions, border patrols, disaster rescue and logistics in harsh environments, reported the Science and Technology Daily on Sunday.

This successful test marks a new breakthrough in high-performance drone power battery technology, said Chen Zhongwei from the DICP, the leader of the research team on the battery project.

The test demonstrated stable flight performance of a hexacopter drone and met endurance benchmarks in the frigid conditions.

The drone executed rapid start-ups, high-altitude hovering, and complex path navigation without voltage fluctuations or sudden power loss, confirming the battery's exceptional low-temperature reliability, said Chen.

To address the issue of severe performance degradation of lithium batteries in ultra-cold climates, Chen's team pioneered innovations in electrolyte formulations and anode material modifications.

These advancements enable stable power output across a temperature range from minus 40 degrees Celsius to 50 degrees Celsius.

Moreover, the integration of adaptive thermal management technology and low-temperature impedance optimization has reduced the battery's endurance decay rate at minus 40 degrees Celsius to less than 10 percent of its capacity under normal temperatures -- far below the industry average of 30-50 percent.

This leap significantly extends mission durations for drones operating in polar or high-altitude regions, minimizing the need for frequent returns due to power depletion, said Chen.

The team will further refine the battery's capabilities to expand its applications in extreme-environment equipment, he added.