Airsoft Canada - LiFE Batteries

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I have been trying to find information on the new LiFE (i.e. Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery technology. I did find some general information on the net but I was wondering if anyone has any additonal details on LiFE battery's, and more importantly, has anyone gamed LiFE batteries?

Many thanks!

I'm curious too, wonder if to go this route or LiPo. Airsoft Parts CA has them but I haven't seen anyone local witht them.

Basically all the good sides of LiPo, without the "dangers".

It requires a special charger made just for theses. Each cell is 3.0v instead of 3.7, meaning you can run your gun on a safe 9.0v, or 12V if you want to.

They have about the same energy density as LiPo, but lack the instant current delivery. For airsoft it won't change a thing.

Just for search purposes, I believe they're referred to as LiFePO4 batteries.
At least that's what I refer to them in the flashlight world.
I have a couple of CR123 in this chemistry. Lower voltage, and slightly lower energy density too.
Safer though. Doesn't release oxygen on failure, so no fire danger.

They are referred to as LiFePO4 in industry. Yes, they are a LOT safer than LiPo.

Chingyul, I think you mean they don't release hydrogen. This causes the bulging in a lot of Lithium batteries when you overvoltage, undervoltage, or overcurrent batteries without a proper protection circuit module.

The A123 2300mAh cells in this chemistry can put out some amazing amperage. I run an 2P4S pack on my motorcycle for starting (saved 5-6lbs over a gell battery) and it would probably do just fine with a 4S pack alone.

Definitely the chemistry to be looking at for guns which have the room.

-Grant

Nope, pretty sure it's oxygen (no hydrogen in that formula).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithium...sphate_battery

Life batteries are awesome. I love the intellect 9.9v stick I have. Safer than lipo's because they are suppose to shut down and prevent over charge and discharge. The madbulls are great too but require the madbull charger I believe due to the madbull specific balancer connector.

Alfred converted the balancing tap to a regular connector...you can get them at a hobby store.

As long as your charger is smart enough to handle/ID the voltages for the cells you're ok.

Coach...you've used yours quite a bit...any fall off in performance/longevity after a season (half season?) of cycles?

Quote:

Originally Posted by m102404 (Post 1314964)

Actually, I only used it for one game so far. Have yet to deplete it to where it just stops.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chingyul (Post 1314895)

Nope, pretty sure it's oxygen (no hydrogen in that formula).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithium...sphate_battery

I am talking about LiPos. eHow FTW! LOL!

http://www.ehow.com/facts_5594715_do...tch-fire_.html

Well, eHow and I also worked with Lithium batteries way too much during my last co-op term. :banghead: It doesn't matter if it contains hydrogen or not. It comes from the humidity in the air.

Quote:

Originally Posted by GBear (Post 1315019)

Yeah right

Heres an article I just found after I followed your link

http://www.ehow.com/how_5941616_disc...o-battery.html

They actually suggest to discharge lipos for storage without a word about never going under 3v/cell....

thats just plain stupid and dangerous

EDIT: haha even wost :

Quote:

Check for any left over voltage with a voltage meter before storing or recharging.

Quote:

Originally Posted by flack (Post 1315021)

LOL! Okay that writer is retarded.

I will try to find a legit source but think about it from a chemistry standpoint. Once you overcharge, you WILL get Li metal not Li ions form on the surface of the cathode. This is because the lattice cannot absorb any more ions so it begins to coat the surface. Li ions are safe but that Li metal is VERY reaction, especially to moisture. That Li is going to bond the Oxygen of the water, forming Lithium Oxide and H2 gas. BOOM!!! :) Especially when there's enough H2 gas stored in the cell, the shell ruptures, and the batteries have high discharge currents. Little rupture and arch is all it takes. FIRREEEEEEEE muahahahahahahahahaha

Similar concept with undervoltage. If you do not keep enough Li ions in the lattice, the entire structure will begin to collapse. Since ions have been in there, the bond lengths have all been stretched and will need support to keep them there. Once collapsed, the structure will not be able to absorb many ions so Li+ will coat the surface of the cathode. Mix with H2O and boom! :p

I think Chingyul was looking at this phrase of this article:

Quote:

These devices occupy useful space inside the cells, reduce their reliability[citation needed]; ,and irreversibly disable the cell when activated. They are required because the anode produces heat during use, while the cathode may produce oxygen. These devices and improved electrode designs reduce/eliminate the risk of fire or explosion.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithium-ion_battery

Quote:

Originally Posted by GBear (Post 1315029)

Very interesting thanks, always wondered why they explode

I got one by mistake, much bigger than a LiPo, will test it this winter.