Lithium Ion / LiFE Batteries, the "safe" LiPO alternative

[Cain]

For those concerned about using LIPOs, a safer alternative is available.  these are known as Lithium Ion or LiFE battery packs, with RC car versions available from the likes of A123 systems and Maxamps.  Several key features as described by Maxamps and / or A123:

- They will not catch fire or explode even when drilled through
- They have significantly more cycle life than Lipos (maxamps has a warranty up to 1000 cycles)
- They may be charged at very high rates with charge time in about 20 minutes possible
- Low voltage cutoff is not required (per maxamps)

things to note with these packs:

- Voltage is lower since the cells are 3.3V per cell
- Packs are heavier than lipos for similar mah rating

videos of test they have done on LiFE packs can be seen here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rb_J2QQ0k-4

[kevin]

Before you get too carried away with promoting these LiFE packs, they will not be allowed at the KRC Raceway until they have been sent through ROAR for testing and approval.

[Cain]

my statement was not to promote the LiFE battery packs, I was just stating information concerning the packs for those who are curious for a lipo alternative in general. 

For Rules concerning KRC raceway and what is allowed and what isn't, that would be part of the appropriate section on the KRC Raceway forum where the rules for the track are listed, which is why i posted this information here in R/C Tech Talk.

[kevin]

OK

I just want to make sure others don't spend limited funds on these unapproved items, show up at various R/C Tracks and find out they are not able to use them.

[Cain]

not a problem.  I have contacted ROAR to see if anyone has submitted an approval for the packs.   And I'll be confirming with Pingree, KRC Raceway, and Minot to see if they have an issue with the packs, but in general since there technology is inherently safe, and the voltage is lower than lipos and Nimhs, I doubt that they will. 

[Cain]

actually I meant Pingree, Wheels Wings & Hobbies, and Minot.

[Cain]

Reedy will be releasing there own 6.6V LiFe Pack:

[Alex Holweger]

i find the hardcase almost pointless

[kevin]

No soft-cased cells or packs should be used in any R/C Cars, Trucks or Buggies. There must be some protection from damage from a crash. Placing them in a hard case is definitely warranted. Even if these new cells can be safely impaled or otherwise damaged without causing a safety issue, why allow the risk of this damage?

In case anyone is wondering, these new packs will not be legal at KRC Raceway until approved for use by at least one racing organization namely ROAR.

[Cain]

A hardcase does not protect the cells inside of them from impact force damage (open up a well raced hardcase lipo and take a look).  This is the type of damage you will most encounter with battery packs during race conditions. 

The main benefit of a hardcased "LIPO" is in vehicles where the battery packs are exposed to puncture damage, like touring cars which the battery packs hanging on the side exposed, which is why I use them in my touring cars as I see the need, and in 1/8 electric offroad, I don't.

This is my opinion, based on actual experience with racing NiMHs, Lipos in softcase form in 1/8 electric (which probably puts the hardest physical stresses on a battery pack in RC Racing) at places like Wheels Wings and Hobbies, WOR Series, RHR Series, and Pingree RC Raceway that allow them, and Lipos in hardcases for 1/10 on and offroad. 

And as a side note, the Minnesota Off-Road Nitro Series for the 2010 season, which has a very knowledgeable committee on current RC matters and technology, is allowing good condition soft cased LIPOs as well as LiFe packs based on my understanding of the rules to be used in 1/8 electric.

Ultimately though, your going to make rules for KRC Raceway that you feel are needed for your track, just like other tracks have made rules for there races. 

"If someone wants to play at KRC Raceway,
they will find the acceptable gear and pay,
If not they can go there own way,
They don't have stay.
Maybe lay by the bay,
or make things out of clay.
They just may!
Okay?"

    

[kevin]

All is cool, but I do have this statement. I am not going to waste any of my time (That is needed so much more with so many other matters right now) trying to decide if all of these new products should or should not be allowed to be used in racing. I am going to relay on other organizations like ROAR to do that. That is their job. The problem is not that I am deciding not to let these items race at my site; the problem is that these manufacturers are releasing them without trying to get them approved for racing through the proper channels. If Reedy or any of those other manufacturers want any of their new products to be globally legal to use for competitive model racing, they know what to do. Thanks.

As far as any type of soft case packs are concerned, at KRC Raceway both inside and outside, they are not allowed. The only exception I have in this is they can be used as receiver packs in Nitro Racing provided they are fully contained in an on board hard case designed to hold them. Even then, they must not be charged outside of a LiPo charge sack on my designated property.

[Cain]

Trust me,they are trying to get them approved. 

[Cain]

Update:

ROAR has announced there new 4wd SCT Rules on there site.  the following can be found in the rules:

8.10.13.2.1 Battery ANY ROAR Apporved 2S LiPo (7.4volt), 6Cell NiMh (7.2volt), or 2S LiFe (6.6volt)

Looks like LiFe packs are on ROAR radar for approval.

[Cain]

And they are APPROVED!

Here is the first battery:

Li - Fe Brick Case 2 Cell     Epic-Intellect IP4000 6.6V     TRI20292     February 1, 2010