8cell A123 on MMM?

[lincpimp]

Wow, 30-35 amp load.... We would have to run nimhs in 2p to even get close to lipo. Can you imagine the weight...

A123 cells have their benefits, but will have a very hard time matching a good lipo. If you want a low weight/long runtime lipo is the way to go.

In all honesty, A123 have to do fast recharge, if they didn't no one would be interested. The only benefit they have in my eyes is that they are less sesitive to abuse. But a properly made tray can protect a lipo just as well. And lipo packages better for our uses.

[othello]

>In all honesty, A123 have to do fast recharge, if they didn't no one would be interested

Don't want to start a debate, but there are a few more advantages worth mentioning
. No need for an LVC or balancer
. Shorter Constant Voltage phase while recharging
. Will last a few hundred cycles longer
. Easier to reconfigure/assembling
. More secure: No fires, explosions, puffing ...
. I'm not worried when i subject A123 cells to water/snow
and so on ... simply fool proof

Of course lipos will remain unmatched when it comes to performance/wheight ratio.

[BrianG]

Originally Posted by othello

>In all honesty, A123 have to do fast recharge, if they didn't no one would be interested

Don't want to start a debate, but there are a few more advantages worth mentioning
. No need for an LVC or balancer
. Shorter Constant Voltage phase while recharging
. Will last a few hundred cycles longer
. Easier to reconfigure/assembling
. More secure: No fires, explosions, puffing ...
. I'm not worried when i subject A123 cells to water/snow
and so on ... simply fool proof

Of course lipos will remain unmatched when it comes to performance/wheight ratio.

And now, the disadvantages:

- Relatively heavy, especially in 2P mode.

- Resulting pack can be large and difficult to fit into typical battery trays, depending on vehicle.

- Really needs to be in 2P mode for decent runtime and constant current output. You could get by with 1P if in a light vehicle and/or run HV instead to reduce current.

[lincpimp]

Originally Posted by othello

>In all honesty, A123 have to do fast recharge, if they didn't no one would be interested

Don't want to start a debate, but there are a few more advantages worth mentioning
. No need for an LVC or balancer
. Shorter Constant Voltage phase while recharging
. Will last a few hundred cycles longer
. Easier to reconfigure/assembling
. More secure: No fires, explosions, puffing ...
. I'm not worried when i subject A123 cells to water/snow
and so on ... simply fool proof

Of course lipos will remain unmatched when it comes to performance/wheight ratio.

Very true. For some setups/intended uses the a123 cells just fit the bill perfectly. For others lipo works better.

Lifespan is not something I usually think of, but for someone who only has 1 rc and plays with it alot it can be a big deal. I have never worn out a lipo... Usually change the setup and sell it or take it apart to make a different pack.

I am usually trying to get the weight down, and jsut find that lipo packages easier... But that is just my personal feelings. I think that the a123 tech will be the gateway to better electric storage for homes and full size cars. They just need to scale up the packs to car battery size. Imagine what a 50 pound a123 pack would be capable of.