LiPo Battery Discharger – Usage, discharge Methods, and Care

LiPo Batteries are the best battery technology can offer. Apart from carrying more power, they are safer and more environmentally friendly than other RC batteries. Those who use NiCd and NiMH batteries are always compelled to go through all safety measures for charging, using, and discharging. LiPos are made with the most recent technology, which makes them safer. There is a lot of information written on the back that many don't even notice.

The batteries are popular, more so for their high permeance, hence common in R/C cars, boats, planes, helis, multirotor, and much more. However, if you use then without proper care, like poor charging, discharging, storing, and maintenance, they can turn into a serious hazard. It is important to know the best ways to handle these batteries is you wish to use them in the right manner. In this guide, we shall be looking at the best care methods for the LiPo batteries.

How often do you discharge your LiPo battery?

LiPo batteries are incredibly easy to use. And most people who have to use them will tell you just to go and fly them. They will not even 'break-in.' When they are new, for instance, you can push them as far as possible in the air.

First, you need to understand that there are several ways of discharging a LiPo battery. You can use a LiPo discharger. However, there is never really a reason you should do this. You can use the charge just for charging. For discharging, however, there is no reason to go through the trouble because:

• These batteries have not memory, which means they don't store any power information. Older batteries like NiCad can remember the voltage you charge them from and keep that as the lowest it can go. And if you don't charge them fully, they will still remember the highest level and keep it as the best they can get. LiPo is not characterized by this behavior; you can charge them and discharge as many times as you want in the air.

• You never have to peak them before flying. All batteries come with self-discharge characteristics that keep them discharging even when not in use. For this reason, some batteries require that you fully charge them before you start using them. For LiPos, you just grab the pack and go fly.
  

3.2V 20A Low Temp LiFePO4 Battery Cell -40℃ 3C discharge capacity≥70% Charging temperature：-20~45℃ Discharging temperature: -40~+55℃ pass acupuncture test -40℃ maximum discharge rate：3C

READ MORE

The batteries will discharge automatically during use. And the more you use them, the faster they will lose power. Besides, the battery does not need to be fully charged for you to discharge them. You can charge them halfway, put them in your helicopter, and there will be no issues.

How do you discharge a LiPo battery?

Based on the description of LiPo batteries and their characteristics above, you don't need a special charger to drain LiPo batteries. Hence, the best way and more efficient to do this is by using the battery.

Note that LiPo batteries offer plenty of power and run time, especially for those who use radio control equipment. However, these cool features come at a price. The batteries can catch fire much easier than older technologies. It is mostly because of their chemistry. It is critical to know this information because it can help you take proper care of your gadgets.

Low Temperature High Energy Density Rugged Laptop Polymer Battery Battery specification: 11.1V 7800mAh -40℃ 0.2C discharge capacity ≥80% Dustproof, resistance to dropping, anti - corrosion, anti - electromagnetic interference

READ MORE

Now, let's discuss the discharge rates. There are people who think that battery capacity and discharge rate should be used as a limitation for motor power. On the other hand, there are those who believe that using a bigger battery capacity will overload the motor. But that is not right because the battery's discharge rate should not determine more input. The discharge rate may be constant, but the battery will lose power depending on how you use it.

Here is something else you need to know. Choosing the right motor model is the surest way to sure your batteries are giving maximum power. For instance, if you choose a motor with the maximum amount of power it draws safely (max amp rate), at 20Amps, you can use a 20Amp ESC on the same. But in more cases, you will find the model to be rated at least 25 or 30Amps. You need to get a battery that can provide about twice the maximum amp draw of the motor. In other words, the motor in this example will need a 2200mAh, 20C battery because it offers 44Amps.

There are other things you need to understand about discharging LiPos too. For example, when the motor load is at full range, the battery will experience a strain of only 50%. This means it will have less voltage drop, taking more power into the motor. Hence, there is no strain on the battery. It will not overheat or puff, and it will last much longer.

On the contrary, if you try limiting the motor power by using a battery with a lower discharge rate, the battery will be overstrained. This will lead to voltage drop and potential swelling on the battery. This is the last thing you want for your batteries.

In short, the best way to discharge a LiPo is to keep in proper use. However, if the battery is puffed, or broken, you will need to use a special charger to full discharge before disposing of it. Or you can use your DIY discharge rig with a taillight bulb and a wire. Solder a male connector to the tabs of the bulb and plug-in battery.

Is it safe to use a puffed LiPo battery?

When LiPo batteries perform under too much stress, their internal resistance increases, leads to danger like excess oxygen build-up. Because the battery is sealed and there is no way for the gas to escape, your LiPo pack begins to swell.