Thunder Power
A123 Battery Cells To your Remote control Model Airplane
Electric model airplanes have been in existence for roughly three decades. A big problem in the early days was battery energy density. Quite simply, they just weighed a lot of for your level of juice you have access to from them. This case has improved dramatically recently with all the advent of Li-Poly cells, but an electric battery pack for a bigger model can easily cost hundreds of dollars. The arrival of electrical cars, such as the Toyota Prius has spurred an enormous amount of research into new battery technologies. In the following paragraphs, I will describe a substitute for Li-Poly batteries that provides intriguing possibilities.
Hyperion
A123 Systems produces Lithium-Ion Nanophosphate cells. These cells have a nominal voltage of 3.3 volts and can withstand continuous discharge rates of 30C. They could be safely discharged right down to 2.0 volts. The voltage remains fairly constant through the discharge cycle, however they do have a sharp drop-off at the end. Expect 300 cycles before you notice any decrease in capacity while at 1,000 cycles you'll have 75% of the original capacity. They're very safe. Overcharging or older discharging is not going to cause an explosion and definately will haven't much impact on living from the battery. Balancing cells if they are charged continues to be recommended, but not absolutely required. They could be charged immediately after use in Fifteen minutes.
Cellular structure can be purchased in two sizes. The initial M1 cell features a capacity of two.3 Ah and weighs 70 grams (2.47 oz). A newer, smaller size holds 1.1 Ah and weighs 40 grams (1.41 oz).
The key source for A123 M1 cells may be DeWalt 36-volt portable power-tool battery pack. Each pack contains 10cells. I acquired 2 of these for $100 each through Ebay. The values seem to have increased recently towards the $120-$130 range. Single cells can be purchased online for $15 from a growing selection of vendors. You will find a couple of the smaller cells in a Black & Decker VPX battery power which sells for about $15. Small cells may also be had for $12.50 each.
There are lots of Li-Poly chargers that support or may be modified to guide the charging of such A123 cells. Because of the sharp voltage drop-off when discharged, you are probably more satisfied employing a timer whenever you fly. Otherwise you need your ESC to close from the motor when 2.0 volts per cell is reached.
Important thing? These cells provide you with 70% the vitality density of Li-Polys for approximately 45% with the price. For a lot of of us, this is a good trade-off. They're extremely safe and can be charged in Quarter-hour. If you end up buying half as much battery packs due to the shorter charge time, they turn into a much better value.
Hyperion
Electric model airplanes have been in existence for roughly three decades. A big problem in the early days was battery energy density. Quite simply, they just weighed a lot of for your level of juice you have access to from them. This case has improved dramatically recently with all the advent of Li-Poly cells, but an electric battery pack for a bigger model can easily cost hundreds of dollars. The arrival of electrical cars, such as the Toyota Prius has spurred an enormous amount of research into new battery technologies. In the following paragraphs, I will describe a substitute for Li-Poly batteries that provides intriguing possibilities.
Hyperion
A123 Systems produces Lithium-Ion Nanophosphate cells. These cells have a nominal voltage of 3.3 volts and can withstand continuous discharge rates of 30C. They could be safely discharged right down to 2.0 volts. The voltage remains fairly constant through the discharge cycle, however they do have a sharp drop-off at the end. Expect 300 cycles before you notice any decrease in capacity while at 1,000 cycles you'll have 75% of the original capacity. They're very safe. Overcharging or older discharging is not going to cause an explosion and definately will haven't much impact on living from the battery. Balancing cells if they are charged continues to be recommended, but not absolutely required. They could be charged immediately after use in Fifteen minutes.
Cellular structure can be purchased in two sizes. The initial M1 cell features a capacity of two.3 Ah and weighs 70 grams (2.47 oz). A newer, smaller size holds 1.1 Ah and weighs 40 grams (1.41 oz).
The key source for A123 M1 cells may be DeWalt 36-volt portable power-tool battery pack. Each pack contains 10cells. I acquired 2 of these for $100 each through Ebay. The values seem to have increased recently towards the $120-$130 range. Single cells can be purchased online for $15 from a growing selection of vendors. You will find a couple of the smaller cells in a Black & Decker VPX battery power which sells for about $15. Small cells may also be had for $12.50 each.
There are lots of Li-Poly chargers that support or may be modified to guide the charging of such A123 cells. Because of the sharp voltage drop-off when discharged, you are probably more satisfied employing a timer whenever you fly. Otherwise you need your ESC to close from the motor when 2.0 volts per cell is reached.
Important thing? These cells provide you with 70% the vitality density of Li-Polys for approximately 45% with the price. For a lot of of us, this is a good trade-off. They're extremely safe and can be charged in Quarter-hour. If you end up buying half as much battery packs due to the shorter charge time, they turn into a much better value.
Hyperion