Hi,
I'm trying to create a wearable device that will use the Adafruit Lithium Ion Battery 3.7v 2000mAh. I want to make sure that the device is safe as it will be worn by infants (in a pocket on a specialized vest). I'm concerned about the battery overheating and being exposed to moisture. However, I also know that it is suggested that the battery is kept "well-ventilated."
I'm looking into options for enclosures for the device + battery and was wondering if anyone had any thoughts/suggestions. I was originally thinking about ordering cases made with ABS materials (either ordering from Polycase or 3D printing) but am concerned these won't prevent moisture from reaching the battery. I saw on another forum post that conformal coatings would allow me to hermetically seal the enclosure, but would that reduce ventilation to a point that could be dangerous/cause the battery to overheat?
I am open to any and all suggestions! Thanks!
Lithium ion battery waterproof and ventilation (Newbie)
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Please be positive and constructive with your questions and comments.
- matsum1
- Posts: 3
- Joined: Mon Sep 17, 2018 12:47 pm
- adafruit_support_bill
- Posts: 88149
- Joined: Sat Feb 07, 2009 10:11 am
Re: Lithium ion battery waterproof and ventilation (Newbie)
Lithium Ion cells require care in charging, handling and in use. For adult wearables we recommend that the pack be easily removable at the first sign of problems. We recommend against their use in wearables for children or pets. I would strongly recommend a more stable battery technology for something to be worn by an infant. A typical 3xAA NiMH pack (e.g Eneloop) will provide similar capacity and voltage with only slightly more bulk.
- matsum1
- Posts: 3
- Joined: Mon Sep 17, 2018 12:47 pm
Re: Lithium ion battery waterproof and ventilation (Newbie)
Hi, thanks for your response!
Would a 3xAA NiMH pack be rechargeable? What makes it more stable?
Would a 3xAA NiMH pack be rechargeable? What makes it more stable?
- adafruit_support_bill
- Posts: 88149
- Joined: Sat Feb 07, 2009 10:11 am
Re: Lithium ion battery waterproof and ventilation (Newbie)
Yes NiMH cells are rechargeable. You can use individual AA cells like Eneloops and charge them separately: https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss ... +batteries
Or you can use a factory-made pack with a 3.6v charger: https://www.batteryspace.com/36vbatterypackseries.aspx
Lithium is a somewhat unstable substance and lithium ion batteries are more susceptible to thermal runaway conditions that can result in fire or explosion. Because of that, there are strict regulations on transporting these batteries - particularly on airplanes.
https://batteryuniversity.com/learn/arc ... y_concerns
Or you can use a factory-made pack with a 3.6v charger: https://www.batteryspace.com/36vbatterypackseries.aspx
Lithium is a somewhat unstable substance and lithium ion batteries are more susceptible to thermal runaway conditions that can result in fire or explosion. Because of that, there are strict regulations on transporting these batteries - particularly on airplanes.
https://batteryuniversity.com/learn/arc ... y_concerns
- matsum1
- Posts: 3
- Joined: Mon Sep 17, 2018 12:47 pm
Re: Lithium ion battery waterproof and ventilation (Newbie)
This is very helpful. Thank you.
I am still curious though if the lithium-ion battery in an ABS enclosure with a conformal coating would be acceptable for adult wear?
I am still curious though if the lithium-ion battery in an ABS enclosure with a conformal coating would be acceptable for adult wear?
- adafruit_support_bill
- Posts: 88149
- Joined: Sat Feb 07, 2009 10:11 am
Re: Lithium ion battery waterproof and ventilation (Newbie)
If the battery is easily detachable it should be OK for an adult wearable.
Please be positive and constructive with your questions and comments.