Lipo Cycles?

[Dafni]

How many cycles (app) can you expect from a Lipo pack?

I understand this varies with how you treat them, but just to get an idea.

I use this Multiplex charger from Mikes store, and it charges Lipos at 1C (or less) and always goes for a 100% charge. I use my 1P packs without balancer, but hook some up to get 2P. Always charge the packs independently, and will get a balancer soon.

So, how long should they live?

Thank you
DAF

[virusss]

Hi daf, this is tech data of my battery, and the cycle life in rapport of utilization...
http://www.flightpower.co.uk/core/da...a_3s1p3300.htm
Bye Ettore

Dafni;
Most manufactures say 500 cycles if treated gently. I expect to see 200 out of my packs (I charge at 2c and discharge to the lowest possible voltage 2.7 volts per cell). You will see a perfomace drop in cells after 50 cycles and then they typically decrease in performance (a little at a time) till they are no good.

A good rule of thumb to use when using and purchaseing lipos is "80% on all ratings"
So lets say you have an application on a car that requires 50 amps, you need to buy batteries that can handle 20% more than 50 amps. That would put your average use at 80% capacity with the ability to handle larger bursts from time to time. DO NOT USE THEM LIKE NIMH or NICD to limit the current to an paticular application they will get VERY hot and possibly vent with flames if they cannot handle the load.

Also lower voltage cut offs is VERY bad for lipos. Stay around 3.0 volts per cell when dischargeing.
Hope that helps

[MetalMan]

Keeping packs balanced can greatly increase the life of a pack. For example, if one cell started going out of balance, it would become worse and worse, and could potentially be destroyed.
I would say that you can expect 50-100 cycles if the pack doesn't sit on the shelf a lot and is always in balance, and a LVC of 3volts or higher is used.

[nitrostarter]

Thats not a lot at all. In a weekend I'll usually charge up a pack 5-10 times depending on how much time I have. I'd be buying new Lipo's ever4 or so months if so.

[MetalMan]

There are so many things that cycle life depend on that it is hard to give even a nearly accurate number. And then, what one person might call a dead Lipo another might call an alive Lipo. It is important to keep Lipos maintained (balanced), as that alone can drastically increase the life of a Lipo (as opposed to a non-maintained one). Not only will it last longer, it will also be safer to use.