Batteries were once heavy, awkward things, delivering only a limp amount of current for their size and weight. Thankfully, over time, technology has improved, and in 2020, we’re blessed with capable, high-power lithium polymer batteries that can provide all the power your mobile project could possibly need. There are some considerations one must make in their use however, so read on for a primer on how to properly use LiPos in your project!
So Many Types!
With the first commercial lithium-ion battery entering the market in 1991, the (nearly) 30 years since have seen rapid development. This has led to a proliferation of different technologies and types of battery, depending on construction and materials used. In order to treat your batteries properly, it’s important to know what you’ve got, so paying attention to this is critical.
18650 lithium-ion cells as found in a laptop battery. Packs like these are normally spot welded together with nickel strips.
Lithium-ion, or Li-ion typically refers to the overarching technology of rechargeable lithium batteries, but also specifically refers to the traditional cells built in cylindrical metal bodies. The venerable 18650 is one such cell, but a large variety of sizes and types exist. Their stout casings make these cells popular for rough-and-tumble vehicle use.
Lithium-Polymer, or Li-Po refers to a lithium-ion battery that uses a polymer electrolyte instead of a liquid electrolyte. This enables the construction of pouch cells with different geometries. This flexibility of design makes lithium-polymer batteries useful in applications like smartphones and tablets, where a high-capacity battery is needed and a flat form factor is desirable. They’re also commonly used in radio-control models, where their lightweight construction is a huge benefit for flying vehicles.
Lithium-polymer pouch packs, designed for RC use. The top pack is ..
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