There are a lot of things that run on Lipo batteries. Your favorite racing car, buggy, or even the drone for your cinematic photo and videos uses lipo batteries to work.
Unlike lithium-ion batteries, you cannot store lipo batteries with power in them. It damages their cells and you will end up stranded in your next project or game.
To ensure their longevity and performance, you have to discharge your lipo batteries and store them in a safe place. Even to recycle them, you have to discharge them.
But how to discharge a lipo battery, that is the question. It might seem a little intimidating, but it is easier than baking a cake.
We are going to show you a few methods of discharging your lipo battery in this article.
How to Discharge a Lipo Battery Using a Smart Discharger and Some DIY at Home
Lipo batteries are like any other power source out there. They are made of chemical compounds but are more rugged than lithium-ion batteries. As they use gel-like substances as their electrolyte, they tend to last longer than a wet cell battery. But it is after all a battery. So stabbing or breaking them for disposal isn’t a good idea. This ends up in an explosion and possible fire. Instead, go the proper way of discharging them and then dispose of them or store them.
Resource
- Battery safety guidelines: https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/OSHA_FS-3885.pdf
- How lithium polymer batteries work: https://batteryuniversity.com/article/bu-205-types-of-lithium-ion
(Battery University article—educational, non-commercial, explains LiPo battery chemistry.) - Safe battery disposal methods: https://www.epa.gov/recycle/used-lithium-ion-batteries
(EPA.gov page on lithium-ion battery recycling and disposal methods.) -
Basic electronics DIY tools: https://www.instructables.com/Basic-Electronics-Tools/