Test/Review of A123 18650 1100mAh (Yellow)

HKJ

Flashaholic
Joined
Mar 26, 2008
Messages
9,715
Location
Copenhagen, Denmark
[size=+3]A123 18650 1100mAh (Yellow)[/size]

DSC_0057.jpg


This is a battery that can deliver very high amount of power!

Official specifications:
  • Nominal Capacity & Voltage: 1.1Ah, 3.3v
  • Recommended standard charge method: 1.5A to 3.6v CCCV, 45min
  • Recommended fast charge current: 5A to 3.6v CCCV, 15min
  • Max continuous discharge: 30A
  • Pulse discharge at 10sec: 65A
  • Cycle life at 10C discharge, 100% DOD: Over 1,000 cycles
  • Recommended charge/cutoff voltage: 3.5v to 2v
  • Operating temp: -30 ~ +60degC
  • Cell Weight: 39g

A123%2018650%201100mAh%20(Yellow)-info.png


This battery has a lower voltage than the usual LiCoO2 batteries and also much lower capacity.

DSC_0056.jpg


DSC_0058.jpg
DSC_0059.jpg


DSC_0060.jpg

DSC_0061.jpg


A123%2018650%201100mAh%20(Yellow)-Capacity.png


There is not much capacity, but the capacity is available at very high currents.

A123%2018650%201100mAh%20(Yellow)-CapacityTimeHours.png


A123%2018650%201100mAh%20(Yellow)-CapacityTime.png


The battery is able to deliver 30A, but only for two minutes!

A123%2018650%201100mAh%20(Yellow)-Energy.png


A123%2018650%201100mAh%20(Yellow)-PowerLoadTime.png


A123%2018650%201100mAh%20(Yellow)-TripCurrent.png


The battery has no protection and I discharged it before I was finished with this test.

A123%2018650%201100mAh%20(Yellow)-Charge.png


I only uses a 1A charger current, the battery can be fast charged with a 4A current.



[size=+3]Conclusion[/size]

This battery uses a "safe" chemistry, but this does not make the battery completely safe due to the high currents it can deliver.
This is a very interesting battery for some applications, but due to the low voltage it is not really good for flashlights (leds need a lower Vf) and who would want a small super bright light that only works for two minutes (This is probably the wrong place to say that)?
This battery can only rate a as very good.



[size=+3]Notes and links[/size]

How is the test done and how to read the charts
How is a protected LiIon battery constructed
More about button top and flat top batteries
 

bshanahan14rulz

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Jan 29, 2009
Messages
2,819
Location
Tennessee
These would be great for high performance switch-mode buck-boost or boost drivers. However, for only bucking or linears, the low nominal voltage makes it less suitable for our needs.

Great post, as always, HKJ. Thanks!
 

bob_ninja

Enlightened
Joined
May 23, 2006
Messages
372
I find your conclusions odd. This technology is designed for high current applications, not flashlights.
They are for electric cars, RC and so on. Superior lifespan and high discharge capabilities are worth lower voltage and capacity.
 
Top