Nowadays, the market has a lot of different types of batteries to offer us. But how do you choose the correct one that will give outstanding performance and will be easy to maintain? Today, we will be talking about LiPo batteries, what they have to offer and their disadvantages. After that, you’ll know if a lithium polymer battery is right for you.
If you know the advantages of lithium batteries and the limitations that they have, then you’ll be able to benefit from them. Remember that any product has its pros and cons; the only thing that matters is that it suits your needs. You can use lithium polymer batteries in a wide range of applications; keep reading and discover more about this technology.
Advantages Of Lipo Batteries:
- Twice The Energy Density Of A Standard Battery
LiPo offers more energy density than other batteries like nickel-metal or nickel-cadmium. That means lithium polymers can deliver higher currents for critical applications. These batteries are ideal for any equipment that needs to operate longer between charges while more power consumption is needed. Therefore, LiPo is used for batteries in laptops, cell phones, RC planes and vehicles and so on.
High energy density is the main distinct advantage between LiPo and other kinds of batteries. It has plenty of power applications that go from small devices to automobiles. - Lower Rate Of Self-Discharge
Self-discharge is a normal phenomenon that will occur during the useful life of a rechargeable battery. Chemical reactions that generate electricity occur on the inside of a battery cell every time it’s connected to a device. However, that can happen also when the battery’s electrodes are not connected to any equipment. Due to this phenomenon, the battery charge will get reduced through the passage of time.
The rate of self-discharge in LiPo is lower than in other batteries. Therefore, it will keep a better performance during its lifespan because of its flat rate of discharging of 1.5% to 2% each month. - Low Maintenance
Some batteries, like Ni-Cad ones, require cycling to keep them in good shape. This cycling consists in doing a periodic discharge to avoid the memory effect. This effect is called that way because the battery “remembers” the smaller charge capacity and causes it to hold less charge. Still, LiPo doesn’t suffer from this issue, and cycling is not required.
If you’re not into active maintenance for the batteries of your remote-controlled plane, then LiPo ones would be the best option for you. They will keep their good performance without the need of you taking care of them. - Types And Applications
As said earlier, lithium polymer batteries can be used in plenty of devices. That is because there are different types of lithium-ion cells available. For instance, some forms will provide a higher current density ideal for some types of devices. Other forms will provide higher current levels, which make it a good choice for vehicles, for example.
As you see now, LiPo batteries have become a game-changer for technology. These batteries can be used in almost any type of device. - Doesn’t Need To Be Primed For Charging
Rechargeable batteries need to be primed because they don’t deliver the rated capacity when they’re brand new. Priming is not needed in lithium polymer batteries, so they will be ready to use as soon as you open the package. Suppliers of these batteries will assure that cycling is not needed, so go ahead and skip this step. If you are in a hurry and need to use the battery as soon as possible, then you should go for a LiPo one.
Disadvantages Of Lipo Batteries:
- Cost
One of the main cons of lithium batteries is their cost. If you compare them with other batteries, you’ll find out that they are more expensive. It’s almost 40% more costly than nickel batteries.
However, you should consider that they have other benefits that will make the cost worth the effort. - Safety
There are some cases where lithium batteries have caught fire. The main reasons for these issues are over-discharging and overcharging. Hence, you need to be careful with your lithium polymer batteries to avoid any incidents.
Store them in a cool and fresh place and keep an eye on them while charging. Safe bags would be a good option to keep your lithium battery safely stored.
Lithium polymer batteries have many advantages that you can benefit from. If you think that they will suit your needs and your budget, then purchase them. They will be ideal for any remote-control device that you buy from your hobby shop. They will give outstanding performance and maintenance won’t be needed.
Don’t forget to follow the directions to avoid any incidents with them and keep them half-charged when stored.
Don’t forget to follow the directions to avoid any incidents with them and keep them half-charged when stored.
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