LiPo batteries are the power source of choice for the vast majority of UAVs, and as drone technology becomes more mature, pilots and research institutions are demanding more power, seeking batteries that can provide more capacity and energy density for longer operating times. To meet these requirements, high-voltage LiPo batteries were created.
High-voltage Lipo batteries (LiHV) are an evolution of lithium-ion polymer batteries (LiPo). LiHV batteries have more energy than standard LiPo batteries, and are capable of charging to 4.4V per cell with a nominal voltage of 3.8V. Ultra-high voltage batteries have a peak voltage of 4.45V and a nominal voltage of 3.85V, while ordinary LiPo batteries have a peak cell voltage of 4.2V and a nominal voltage of only 3.7V.
Because the nominal and peak voltages of high-voltage batteries are higher than ordinary standard batteries, high-voltage batteries have higher discharge cut-off voltages, allowing the battery pack to discharge for prolonged durations, and allowing the drone to absorb more juice. High-quality high-voltage batteries improve overall battery functional efficiency and extend lifespan.
From the voltage values above, it does not appear that there is much of a voltage difference between the different types of cells. However, as the number of cells in the pack increases, the advantages of these high-voltage cells will develop more outward.
A battery's energy density reflects the energy storage capacity of the battery per unit volume. Due to the limited space and dimensions of the battery, the overall energy of the battery can be increased by upping the voltage, which means that we could expect to find an increase in voltage from 3.7V to 3.8V or even 3.85V for a full charge, resulting in a capacity increase of about 15 percent.
Here are a few high-voltage battery test pictures from Tattu Battery, you can clearly analyse the difference in the capacity of different voltage batteries from the pictures - They are 4.2V, 4.35V and 4.4V cells, respectively.
As shown in the figure above, LiHv batteries can release more capacity than ordinary LiPo batteries, allowing your device to have a longer duration time.
The battery used in this test was Tattu 25C 23000mAh Cell, when discharged at 150A, the battery’s discharge efficiency can reach 94.9%, and after 300 cycles, the battery’s capacity retention rate remains more than 95 percent.
The data proves that high voltage batteries do have the advantage of higher discharge and are a reasonable choice for drones. If you need some battery packs for reference, here are Tattu's high voltage drone battery packs parameters for you.
These batteries are all made of six cells in series, with a voltage of 22.8V, discharge rate (battery C-rate) up to 10~25C, capacity range from 11000mAh to 40000mAh, with a variety of options, the star model is the 2500mAh battery pack.
Of course, if you have any other capacity, size, or c-rate needs, please feel free to contact Tattu Battery and you will get the perfect customized battery solution. For other high voltage cells, please click here to learn more.
Increased flight time, consistent and reliable output power, and higher efficiency for the flight experience are some of the key features that have made 4.4V high-voltage batteries popular. They can take the drone world by a bigger storm by bringing such stable and efficient battery systems to airplanes, helicopters, multi-rotors, drones/UAVs, eVTOL, and so on.
Tattu, as a sub-brand established by Grepow in 2015, has a mission to provide the professional energy source for the drone and FPV industry. With offices in the United States, Germany, China, and Taiwan, Tattu Battery has a global service footprint and is recognized for its quality in the field.
In addition to completed cells and battery packs, Tattu and Grepow Factory also provide custom drone-power services: structural design, custom BMS, battery solutions, chargers, OEM, and ODM. They are aiming to provide more efficient and safer power to the industry.
High voltage batteries are perfect for industrial or consumer drones, such as agricultural spraying drones, aerial photography drones, mapping and inspection drones, eVTOL, transportation and delivery drones, FPV, etc.
