How to storage lipo batteries?

Compared to the NiCd and NiMH, Lipo batteries are commonly used in the industry of radio control models on account of the higher performance, efficiency, friendly environment and so on. The rechargeable lipo widely applies to remote controlled cars, boats, aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles, and FPV, etc. Yeah, It's no doubt that the lipo batteries is closely related to the remote control models and RC hobbyists. In our daily life, many behaviors we have are improper and may affect the lifespan of the battery as well as would result in the danger of burning and explosion. Therefore, it'd be better to correct the inappropriate behavior and learn more about the ways to maintain and storage lipo batteries.

1. Please read the instructions at first.

When purchase and get a box of RC kits or batteries, someone may put the batteries on the vehicle immediately and can't wait to run the cars on the track. Practicing or racing the powerful RC vehicles can bring great passion and excitement to us, but neglecting something important (Yeah, it's very easily neglected) may cause serious consequences. That is to read the instructions seriously. Don't underestimate the significance of understanding the instructions that contain various noticed tips and methods to use and maintain the batteries, especially for the beginners.

2. Please take out the battery for a long time unused.

After practicing and running the vehicle, some guys may forget or don't wanna take out the batteries and let it be in the machine all the time. Actually, this kind of habit is not appropriate and would cause great damage to the batteries. If it is not used for a long time, please take out the battery to prevent battery leakage and some other problems. And then put the batteries into the fireproof container such as a metal box for storage. Even though the appliance is turned off, the battery still has a small current output that leads to the over discharge of the battery, thus shortening the service life of the battery.

pic credit: RC Girl

3. Please store the power pack between 40-60% charge.

After using the radio control models, some people may take the batteries that have no power totally out of the vehicle and then store them directly. There are also some guys who charge the full battery and decide to race tomorrow but unfortunately, it rains and they can't run the car. So the battery is stored in full charge for a long time. All of these need to be corrected. Actually, it's not suitable to store the lipo batteries in full charge or less than 40%. The most proper charge to store is between 40-60%. I have maintained my batteries in this way for more than 20 months and the lipo works as good as the initial status.

4. Please charge and store the batteries in an appropriate environment.

As a matter of fact, the temperature is the most important factor that has a great influence on the charge and discharge performance of the batteries. The electrochemical reaction on the electrode interface that is regarded as the heart of the battery is related to the temperature. If the temperature drops, so does the electrode's reactivity rate. Given that the battery voltage remains constant and the discharge current drops, so does the battery's power output. Therefore, in order to charge effectively, it'd be better to keep the temperature in the range of 25℃. Generally, the higher the temperature is, the bigger the charge rate would be and when it reaches up to or over 45℃, the performance of battery materials would be worse and the lifespan of the battery would be shortened.

According to the IEC standard, the battery ought to be stored in the temperature of 20±5℃ as well as the suitable humidity is （65±20）%. Generally speaking, the higher the storage temperature is, the higher the self-discharge rate of the battery would be and the lower the residual rate of the capacity would be. When the refrigerator is in the temperature between 0℃ and 10 ℃, it 'd be the best place to store the lipo battery.