Axon Battery Information

Introduction

Rechargeable Lithium-ion, or Li-ion battery technology is commonly used in rechargeable applications today such as mobile phones, laptops, and tablets. A variation of this technology is Lithium-ion-Polymer, or LiPo batteries, which are used in some Axon products.

LiPo batteries in Axon Body Worn Cameras have high energy density which provides long usage time in compact dimensions. Axon products are designed to optimize the way LiPo batteries are utilized to maximize life and to enhance safety.

Battery Protection

LiPo rechargeable batteries require a battery charging circuit and a protection circuit. Axon engineers have selected charging and protection parameters to provide the maximum use between charges while maintaining maximum life-cycle. Battery charging and safety monitoring circuits have been designed to ensure discharge and charge parameters for the batteries are not exceeded under any operating condition.

• Battery charge and discharge current is monitored and limited.
• Battery charge and discharge voltage is monitored and limited.
• Battery temperature is monitored and the protection system prevents battery charge and discharge outside the battery’s rated temperature.

Battery Extended Storage Considerations

• LiPo batteries should be transported at approximately 30% State Of Charge (SOC).
  • IATA and USDOT regulation should be consulted for battery transportation requirements. Current IATA shipping SOC not to exceed 30% of their rated design capacity.
• LiPo batteries should be stored at approximately 40-50% SOC.
• If a device will not be used for longer than 21 days, charge the battery to 40-50%, turn the device off, and remove the charging source. Recharge the battery every three months to 40-50% to prevent battery damage.
• Storage time, temperature and battery SOC during storage affects battery life-cycle. Batteries stored for long periods at high ambient temperatures under high SOC conditions may experience an accelerated reduction in cycle life.
• The best storage conditions for batteries are ambient temperatures between 10°C - 35°C (50°F - 95°F).
• Storage temperature 45-60°C should be limited to <90 days.
• Storage temperature above 60°C should be avoided.
• Avoid storing batteries in damp environments which may increase battery discharge rates.
• Storing batteries for extended periods of time at elevated temperatures and SOC increase the risk of a chemical breakdown in the battery which may lead to battery swelling. If this occurs, the battery should be replaced and discarded properly.

 Battery Life-Cycle

• Battery capacity decreases gradually with use (charging and discharging cycles) over time. The more cycles the battery experiences the less the battery can be used between charges. For Li-ion batteries, once the battery capacity drops below approximately 70% of its rated capacity, the battery is considered to have reached its end of useful life.
• The rate of capacity degradation in a Li-ion battery depends upon both the number of charge and discharge cycles, and the battery operating and storage temperature. Normal ambient temperature is considered to be 25°C/77°F (room temperature). At this temperature and normal usage conditions, the life of a LiPo battery is typically between 300-500 cycles assuming no storage between cycles. As the battery is used, internal degradation will cause the battery capacity to drop towards end of life levels, which is typically approximately 70-80% of its rated capacity according to industry standards.
• Axon products are designed to maximize both the operating (discharge) time and the life-cycle (number of total discharge/charge cycles) of the battery.
• After using a battery for some time, under some conditions, the battery may have a degree of swelling caused by decomposition of electrolytes into gas, or other chemical processes.
• Swollen batteries should no longer be used and should be replaced and discarded promptly.

Care of your Battery 

• Do not place your device or battery pack near heat sources over 60℃ (140°F), such as radiators, fireplaces, furnaces, electric heaters, or other heat-producing equipment which may cause unsafe conditions.
• Do not leave your device or battery pack in direct sunlight or on the dashboard of a vehicle.
• Battery products should not be charged unless there is adequate ventilation.

Battery replacement

If you believe your battery no longer has the capacity to meet your shift requirements you may order a replacement as shown below.

Battery Warning

We do advise that all of our customers review Axon's current Axon Camera System Law Enforcement Warnings regarding the inherent risks associated with the use of lithium polymer batteries. Specifically, Axon recommends that law enforcement customers immediately discontinue use and safely remove from the person any BWC that indicates an abnormal appearance as directed by our Axon Law Enforcement Warnings.