LVC setting question

[simplechamp]

Cells will stabilize and "rebound" after a run, so they might be at 3.3V when the LVC kicks in, but by the time you get them on the charger they will rebound back to 3.6V since the load has been removed from them.

I run my LVC at 3.0V/cell and have never had any issues. Cells are usually back at 3.3V after the rebound.

[Thomas Porfert]

We always recommend to follow the battery pack manufacturer's recommendations. It's better to error on the side of caution and set it higher than normal if you're not sure. The pack manufacturer knows their cells better than anyone, so who better to go by than them?

Historically it has been 3.0 volts per cell, but more and more companies are suggesting/requiring higher and higher voltages. 3.2 volts per cell seems to be the norm for a lot of manufacturer's, some are even recommending 3.3 or 3.4 volts. Never go lower than what your pack manufacturer recommends, you will usually degrade the packs quicker than normal and could void their warranty (if any). High cut-offs will yield shorter run times but longer battery life, so you need to balance these two based on your needs.

As far as the actual cut-off voltage, the battery will drop voltage under load, so if you set a 3.3 volt per cell cut-off, you'll probably end up with a pack around 3.5-3.7 volts per cell when not under load. The better the battery, the lower the battery will be able to drain before you hit the cut-off.

Thomas Porfert
Castle Tech Support