What is C in LiPo Battery?

If you are new to LiPo batteries, then this is your first step into the technological future. LiPo, short for lithium polymer, is a type of rechargeable lithium battery that uses a polymer electrolyte in place of the normal liquid one. It is a form of lithium-ion battery that has brought the world to its knees due to its immense contributions to the electrical field. RC electronics such as drones, large scale electrical aircraft, electric vehicles, and many other unimaginable electrical inventions all apply the basic LiPo properties.

Lithium batteries have taken over as the propelling force holding the technological world in place, and LiPo cells are of no exception. Due to its diverse applications, it has significantly boosted its way to the top, providing efficient sources of power to nurture the evolution of tech. As much as its attributes are applaudable, people often take it as a typical lithium battery.

Consumers miss out on the opportunity to indulge themselves in the specific type of lithium battery that has been responsible for powering their various elementary devices. One needs to find out exactly how lithium polymer batteries stand out from the group to appreciate the efforts made to electrify their worlds.

What does the C value mean on LiPo batteries?

Have you ever noticed a C value imprinted on your shiny new battery pack and asked yourself what it means? You may have ignored such a sign on multiple occasions during your purchase history. This may be due to assumptions that it doesn’t concern you, the consumer since you’re just getting a new set of batteries. Ignorance is bliss, and many a time, consumers buy LiPo batteries only to find out that it is inefficient for their intended application. You can, however, rest easy now and learn more about what this C value has to offer you in life.

It, the C value, is a rating indication of the continuous discharge rate for a LiPo cell. It allows the user to calculate the maximum constant current expected to be withdrawn from the LiPo battery pack safely. This allows you to ensure that you pick out the best LiPo battery pack that meets the specifications required by your device.

The C is generally considered as a guide for consumers to measure one battery against another. As much as this may seem like a good idea, manufacturers and marketers of different battery brands may use this to their advantage. Some manufacturers can be somewhat remiss when it comes to handling such information on their battery packs. They tend to knead the ratings a bit to suit their needs as they are aware of how consumers can be ignorant. This, in turn, exploits the users; however, little the truth of such ratings has been altered by millimeters.

The discharge current for LiPo batteries is generally expressed as C, thus creating a standard of measurement for the cells. C in itself stands for capacity, and therefore, in the presence of a 1000mah battery rated 1C, The cell is expected to discharge current of 1amp. This is achieved by multiplying the battery capacity by the rating then dividing the answer by 1000 as so: (1000x1/1000=1)

It is evident that some manufacturers produce brands of better quality than others, and thus, their high ratings can be justified. However, some only boast of a high rating, which is honestly deceptive just so that they can increase their sales.

You may also find out that in the competitive market, once a vendor releases a battery pack with a high rating, their competitor is ready with a much higher offer. The game goes on for a while, and many battery packs of high ratings but low quality emerges.

Is a higher c rating better?

Batteries are created differently since they originate from different manufacturers, as well. This explains how, in reality, a high C rating is only part of the properties of a battery pack. Just because a battery has a higher c rating, doesn’t mean it’s the best. There is much more to be considered when determining a good battery from a bad one, and ending your research on the C rating won't do.

What to consider when choosing a suitable LiPo battery

Here are a few factors one may need to consider when they might need a suitable battery pack:

· Balance lead wires which are silicon coated for brittleness

· Excellent construction model

· A low internal resistance?

· A high Cycle Count of about 500-1000+ Charge / Discharge

· A reputation for quality

· A good warranty offer

· A high C Rating?

Consumers should watch out for deals that are too good to be true. Quality brands of LiPo batteries have a reputation that goes hand in hand with their prices, and therefore, the cheapest option is never the best one. Also, avoid focusing on reviews by people who claim to be users but tend to leave the scientific approach in their posts.?

How long does a LiPo battery last?

Most of the LiPo batteries are not designed to last longer than 300 charge cycles, which is realistically about 2 to 3 years max. A full charge cycle can be described as a full battery being drained until it becomes empty and then charged back to its full capacity once more. The replacement of LiPo batteries may not be entirely based on the date stamp posted by its manufacturer. It depends on the level of usage, and this can result in full deterioration of the battery before or after the expiry date.

A LiPo battery, which is charged on a regular cycle of around 2 to 3 times a week, should be able to provide an efficient source of power till its intended expiry. A regular LiPo battery is, however, said to be suitable for replacement once the capacity has faded to about 80% of the initial one.

Conclusion

LiPo batteries may have revolutionized the world of technology, but they are still fragile inventions that require maximum care. To get the most out of your LiPo battery, you need to understand what it entails in terms of its characteristics fully. However, before getting to know any LiPo battery, ensure you consider all factors necessary to choose the most appropriate one.