Batteries nowadays

[themonarch]

Many of the contributors here may be aware of what is available when it comes to light weight batteries that can be applicable to aircraft use. I am just now figuring it out, (always behind the "curve", oh shoot). What I wish to know is whom of us are using the LiFePO4 "LFP" iron phosphate batteries to spin up their blades or otherwise power their electrics? I do see by useing these types of batteries that you can cut weight. I want to sometimes cut weight, as I keep on adding "bling" (good stuff really), and weight to my bird. No, no 912 for me as of yet, so don't bother. Just want to know what you know about these new type batteries, and how it is going for you.
Thank you for contributing. MJD.

[gyronutjoe]

The only problem with Lipo batteries is the charge and discharge rates which can be high enough that heat build up can set the batteries on fire.

[ckurz7000]

The ArrowCopter uses a LiFe (Lithium-Ironphosphate) battery and backup battery. The charging circuit has a balancer built in. Hard to beat for power-to-weight ratio, peak current and durability.

-- Chris.

[themonarch]

Dear Chris, thank you for writing back about Li-Fe P04 batteries as being employed in aircraft use. Anyone else out there have something to add?

[WHY]

I think "all" batteries that are are arranged into a high amperage package are potentially dangerous, once saw a 24 volt 1200 amp battery supply cut a 3/4 inch breakover wrench in two pieces when a careless worker failed to wrap the wrench in insulation first, and these were basic lead acid cells (big cells !!!!)

Next came along the nicad cells that required a different handling and charging, then nimh required different handling and now the Li-Fe also require different consideration on charging and dis-charging and probably the next generation batteries will be different as well.

Tony

[Jazzenjohn]

I'm using a Ballistic battery (Li-fe) for the starter as well as prerotator on my gyro. No issues so far. The 8 cell starts the gyro far better than the Ultrastart red I used to use at about 1/3 the weight. The Ultrastart was $90 and the Ballistic was $140.