Lithium Batteries

Collapse
X
 
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts
  • Albacore 569
    Commander

    • Sep 2020
    • 410

    Lithium Batteries

    Lithium Batteries.

    Has the topic of using lithium Batteries in RC subs before?

    Most people I been around seem to use NIMH batteries. Lithium seems a lot more power dense. Great for RC aircraft of course. The price of Lithium batteries relative to NIMH batteries seem to be dropping too.

    They are very small and light. Ideal for RC submarines. Weight is less critical than in a RC aircraft, but that means less counter weighing too balancing the model, Are they a viable safe option? I have been scared reing about Lithium battery fires, on board commercial aircraft thermal runaways - scary. Can these batteries be sealed in waterproofed and placed in the free flood areas of a RC submarine? I am looking at a 12V 5 amph batteries.
  • gantu
    Commander
    • Apr 2009
    • 366

    #2
    Use this for bigger models there are also smaller types like 26650 or 18640.

    Regards Gantu

    Comment

    • JHapprich
      Captain
      • Oct 2017
      • 776

      #3
      Fascinating! Great hint, Gantu!

      Jörg

      Comment

      • CC Clarke
        Commander

        • Aug 2020
        • 264

        #4
        Lithium and water don't mix - they explosively react. Under containment with water contact, it can blow apart metal tubes.

        All you need to pause and reflect here: Lithium Batteries Dropped in Water! TKOR Exploding Lithium Battery Experiment! (youtube.com)

        Be safe out there!

        Comment

        • gantu
          Commander
          • Apr 2009
          • 366

          #5
          Here in Germany many submarine modeler us this kind of batteries with no problems. But not in the wet in the wtc.
          Regards Gantu

          Comment

          • DrSchmidt
            Rear Admiral

            • Apr 2014
            • 1125

            #6
            I use LiFePo...working great.

            Comment

            • type7
              Lieutenant Commander

              • Apr 2009
              • 159

              #7
              I have used Lipo batteries for years in subs and boats. They have much better power density which allows longer run time and charge quickly. Keep them in the wtc and use a good charger, you will be fine.

              Comment

              • Albacore 569
                Commander

                • Sep 2020
                • 410

                #8
                Wow. VERY Interesting batteries Gantu ! I really like the threaded connectors to link them together. Ingenius! So tempting and attractive, but if they get wet, I have a bomb in the pond or in the car or garage!

                It absolutely has to be double sealed; heat shrink and rubber gasket calking and placed n a dry dive module. It may be ultimately determined whether to use NIMH or LIPO batteries by space in the dry area which is already at a premium, so if forced to use outside in the wet area, for safety - MUST then use NIMH batteries ...:( Undecided.
                Last edited by Albacore 569; 10-14-2024, 12:24 PM.

                Comment

                • He Who Shall Not Be Named
                  Moderator

                  • Aug 2008
                  • 12765

                  #9
                  I've operated with Lithium polymer batteries in the wet -- no bag, no shrink-wrap, no goo, no sweat. Fresh water only. Your milage may vary.

                  David
                  Who is John Galt?

                  Comment

                  • Albacore 569
                    Commander

                    • Sep 2020
                    • 410

                    #10
                    Two extreme views on lithium batteries. **** IDK.

                    Comment

                    • type7
                      Lieutenant Commander

                      • Apr 2009
                      • 159

                      #11
                      Running Lipos in the wet doesn't cause them to explode. Corrosion of the terminals and connections is the problem. I have never seen one a "waterproof" one stay waterproof very long.

                      Comment

                      • He Who Shall Not Be Named
                        Moderator

                        • Aug 2008
                        • 12765

                        #12
                        Originally posted by type7
                        Running Lipos in the wet doesn't cause them to explode. Corrosion of the terminals and connections is the problem. I have never seen one a "waterproof" one stay waterproof very long.
                        Bingo. That's why I don't attempt to waterproof ANY battery I stick in the water. Better to scrub the positive side of the wiring every now and then than to foster the mung. corrosion, and mold that builds up within a containment (so called) that never holds back the water, but will, over time, take on enough water to subject the enclosed battery cell cases and poles to a ****ing tropical forest of dampness and heat.

                        Get 'em wet and they'll be almost trouble free. Encase them in anything other than a proper WTC and you doom the battery pack to an early death.

                        But... what the hell do I know? Do as you please.

                        David
                        Who is John Galt?

                        Comment

                        • Albacore 569
                          Commander

                          • Sep 2020
                          • 410

                          #13
                          HUmmmmmmm Excellent illuminating discussions!

                          Comment

                          Working...