many thanks for posting that excellent link!
it's also covered under
#6. don't use li-ion cells in series without protection circuits.
#3. use li-ion cells with internal protection circuits
there's so many different gotchas with li-ion usage. it's extremely difficult to point all of them out without information overload!
due to myriad of combinations possible with loose cells, lights/packs without protection circuits cells goes into and all the different chargers available. protection for loose li-ion cells is best at cell level. this safeguards against dangerous combinations.
unfortunately hotwires can draw current in excess of 3C.
internal protection PCB in cells see this as a dead short.
soft start circuits, double clicking, larger number of cells in series, larger cells with higher current ratings, pilas ($18ea) and using bare cells are some of possible solutions being explored.
safest use of li-ion cell is in singles. this includes picking a light that uses one cell and re-charging in singles.
if you are using bare li-ion cells... yank cell at first sign of dimming. immediately measure cell voltage for first few uses to establish if over discharge is occurring. for all practical purposes, cells is empty under 3.5V. your goal is to yank cell before it goes below 3.5V.
cells can recover if exposed briefly below 3V. damage can occur with ONE overdischarge. which will not show until you try to recharge cell.
there's evidence dentrites can form during discharge at higher currents than mfg spec's and during extended charging at low charge rates. most mfg recommend .5C to 1C charge rates.
dentrites form as sharp crystals which can pierce internals, leading to dead shorts. which will not show up until cell is fully charged.
it's also covered under
#6. don't use li-ion cells in series without protection circuits.
#3. use li-ion cells with internal protection circuits
there's so many different gotchas with li-ion usage. it's extremely difficult to point all of them out without information overload!
due to myriad of combinations possible with loose cells, lights/packs without protection circuits cells goes into and all the different chargers available. protection for loose li-ion cells is best at cell level. this safeguards against dangerous combinations.
unfortunately hotwires can draw current in excess of 3C.
internal protection PCB in cells see this as a dead short.
soft start circuits, double clicking, larger number of cells in series, larger cells with higher current ratings, pilas ($18ea) and using bare cells are some of possible solutions being explored.
safest use of li-ion cell is in singles. this includes picking a light that uses one cell and re-charging in singles.
if you are using bare li-ion cells... yank cell at first sign of dimming. immediately measure cell voltage for first few uses to establish if over discharge is occurring. for all practical purposes, cells is empty under 3.5V. your goal is to yank cell before it goes below 3.5V.
cells can recover if exposed briefly below 3V. damage can occur with ONE overdischarge. which will not show until you try to recharge cell.
there's evidence dentrites can form during discharge at higher currents than mfg spec's and during extended charging at low charge rates. most mfg recommend .5C to 1C charge rates.
dentrites form as sharp crystals which can pierce internals, leading to dead shorts. which will not show up until cell is fully charged.
ckthorp said:I think #11 should be Phredd's "don't over-discharge". Hburner's story is a good reminder of that. See Tom's info here: http://candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?p=1990837#post1990837
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