Precautions for using lipo battery in outdoor product

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keepr
 
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Precautions for using lipo battery in outdoor product

Post by keepr »

We plan to use our lipo for an outdoor project - it will be used in the sun (think beach or boat) for pronged periods of time (4-8 hours). 4400mAh to 6600mAh capacity. Some of our tests indicated the ambient temperature inside the enclosure that the battery is housed in can reached 115-130 degrees F while in prolonged direct sunlight. Are we pushing the limits on safe operating temperature for discharge? It seems like there are plenty of consumer products which use lipo batteries for outdoor products which sit directly in the sun (Bluetooth speakers, etc), what do we need to do to mitigate any risk involved with temperature?

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adafruit_support_bill
 
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Re: Precautions for using lipo battery in outdoor product

Post by adafruit_support_bill »

The datasheet for the 6600mAh battery lists the operating temperature range for discharge as –20~70°C. (-4 to 158°F)

You should also consider that there will be some battery self-heating during discharge, so the operating temperature will be higher than ambient. The self-heating will be proportional to the current draw, so if you are powering a heavy load, you may be pushing the limits of safe operation.

Solar heating can be mitigated by a light colored enclosure to reflect some of the solar energy. Heat buildup within the enclosure can be reduced with ventilation (although that may be problematic in a beach or boat type environment).

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keepr
 
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Re: Precautions for using lipo battery in outdoor product

Post by keepr »

Thank you Bill! What is considered high load? We are using the lipo to power 3W 6V pump and a low voltage motor speed control board.

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Re: Precautions for using lipo battery in outdoor product

Post by adafruit_support_bill »

3W @6V is 0.5 A. That is less than half of the rated 'standard' discharge rate (1.32 A) . So it would not be considered a high load.

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