As the search for better and more powerful batteries for drones progresses, a drone powered by an ultra-low-temperature high-energy-density lithium battery has successfully completed a flight test in China’s northernmost city under extreme cold conditions of minus 36 degrees Celsius, Xinhua News Agency reports.

Developed by researchers at the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics (DICP) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), the new battery promises robust power solutions for polar expeditions, border patrols, disaster rescue and logistics in harsh environments.

This successful test marks a new breakthrough in high-performance drone power battery technology, said the DICP’s Chen Zhongwei, who led the research team on this 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.

Additionally, the integration of adaptive thermal management technology and low-temperature impedance optimisation has reduced the battery’s endurance decay rate at minus 40 degrees Celsius to less than ten percent of its capacity under normal temperatures — far below the industry average of between 30 and 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.

They have been working on this since last year, with the battery boasting of an energy density of 260 watt-hours per kilogram, even in extreme cold.

That means it can store a significant amount of energy relative to its weight, ensuring efficient operation in harsh environments.

“This battery exhibits remarkable endurance, retaining over 80 percent of its capacity after 500 cycles at a wide range of temperatures,” said Professor Zhongwei said when the news first broke last year.

The researchers developed a next-generation composite electrolyte that enhances the flow of ions within the battery, especially at low temperatures. And they also incorporated a multi-layer composite electrode structure with a novel semi-solid electrolyte and modified active materials, leading to improved stability and conductivity.

Those advances enhanced the battery’s ability to perform consistently and deliver power efficiently even in extreme cold, Chen said.

The new battery also addresses safety concerns associated with traditional lithium-ion batteries, which primarily use liquid electrolytes, which can leak and ignite, posing a fire risk. The new design utilises a proprietary semi-solid electrolyte, reducing the liquid component and therefore increasing fire resistance.

“This significantly reduces the risk of fire or explosion even under high temperatures,” he said.

Beyond electric vehicles and outdoor energy storage, the batteries have the potential to revolutionise power supply and storage in various sectors, including aviation, aerospace and polar exploration, Chen added.

The research team is aiming to improve the battery’s performance. It is developing the next generation with an even wider operational temperature range, targeting stable operation between minus 70 degrees Celsius and 70 degrees Celsius and an energy density exceeding 280wh/kg.