LI-ION Problems?

mrled

Newly Enlightened
Joined
Nov 16, 2008
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Bonny Scotland
I have read quite a few posts now which contain references to problems with Li-ion batteries when they are shorted or incorrectly charged / polarised. Some of these posts state that non-flashaholics or teens should only be given primary batts not li-ions.

Has anyone got pics to support this or is it a myth?

I confess I have not searched for the evidence nyself just thought I'd post & see what happens..........:thinking:
 
Primary litium cells can be dangerous too. Especially with devices that use two or more cells. If one cells runs dry before the others the will charge it backwards. Quality cells in one cell lights should be ok.
 
Generally speaking, I wouldn't recommend li-ion to a non flashaholic. However, the chances of something going wrong with a single protected li-ion in a single light is VERY low. If you want batteries you can treat as NiMH without worries of venting with fame, keep an eye out for LiMN cells; AW is currently selling IMR16340's in the MP, 18650's are next. They have lower capacity than Li-ion, but are safe cells and can take abuse well. Also, they have the same voltage as li-ion, unlike LiFeP04.
 
There have actually been more reported incidents with Lithium primaries than with Li-Ion rechargeables.

There is quite a lot of myth surrounding the dangers of Li-Ion cells, and you would really have to ill-treat them quite badly before you would be in danger of having a problem.

I'll move this thread into the Batteries section.
 
Li-ions (and Li-Po) are Divas, compared to Ni-Mh and Ni-Cad.
ONE single discharge too low and they are killed, when trying to charge them then (and with imporper equipment) there is the chance of a boom.

With now usual "potected" cells and better chargers, one can forget about those "dangers".


... but if You like to see it: try "li-ion explosion" or similar on YouTube
(but dont get scared. Usually You can see that the packs are very small and there are thick charging wires going to them. Assume they are heavily overcharged with way too much charging current
--> then there is real danger)
 
Hello Mrled,

Welcome to CPF.

In the US, there is a reason you can't run down to the local store and purchase Li-Ion cells. Until the safety and liability issues are are removed (through a change in chemistry used in the cells), most likely they will continue to be unavailable.

These same issues (safety and liability) prevent the battery manufacturers from selling single cells to the public. If you contact Panasonic, Sony, Sanyo, Saft, EMoli, LG, and GP with the intent of purchasing single Li-Ion cells from them or their distributors, you will be turned down. They will only supply cells to qualified battery pack manufacturers that incorporate protection circuits into their battery packs.

Even with these safety's in place, Sony incurred some liability during the Li-Ion laptop battery pack problems.

The safety concerns are real, however there have been great advancements in Li-Ion cell chemistry and now there are safer forms of Li-Ion cells.

If you are interested in doing some product development using some of these Li-Ion cells that utilize a safer chemistry, a developers kit is available from A123 Systems.

Tom
 
hm, but I only use li-ions from old laptop battery packs.
nothing has happened to me yet.. yet...:sick2:
 

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