[Ham-Computers] Cold charging Li-based batteries - links to good info...

[Hsu, Aaron (NBC Universal)]

After reading the post (on the Yaesu list) about the cold-charge (near freezing) dangers of Lithium-based batteries, I found good info on a couple of sites: http://www.buchmann.ca and http://www.batteryuniversity.com (looks like both are related sites).  Specifically, this article of cold temperature charging:

http://www.buchmann.ca/article28-page1.asp

It discusses the hows and whys of recent battery recalls and the safety measures most Li-based battery packs *shoud* have.  About 2/3rds down the article, it briefly discusses the dangers of cold temperature charging.  The article also briefly discusses the different Li-ion chemistries (cobalt vs manganese).  It's a good read.

>From other links I found, the info is basically the same.  Essentially, don't charge a Li-based battery when the temp is below freezing (0 degrees C).  Below 5 degrees C, lower the charge rate.  Better battery chargers will adjust charge rates in low temperatures (for example, http://www.cadex.com/prod_chargers/ucc_features.asp).


73,

  - Aaron Hsu, NN6O (ex-KD6DAE)
    {nn6o}@arrl.net
    {aaron.hsu}@nbcuni.com
    No-QRO Int'l #1,000,006
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