Batteries

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Battery Technologies and Equipment for mobile robots.

Selecting a Technology

Your choice in battery is depending on many robotic requirements but some of the items to be considered include:

  • Price
  • Discharge Capacity
  • Charge Rate
  • Safety of Battery & Storage
  • Weight
  • Ability to Recycle
  • Estimated Lifetime

The current information in the remaining sections was presented as data with Chas' discussion in the December 2020 Meeting.

LiPo

Lithium Polymer (LiPo)

  • Discussion Link: [1]

Pros:

  • 20-100C discharge
  • 1C+ charge
  • Good Weight/Watts
  • Easy to source

Cons:

  • Dangerous -- Fire
  • Storage
  • Recycling
  • Special Charger: [2]

Notes: This is my preference with a very fast recharge cycle and 129W/Kg. Don't go cheap on a charger. Store in a safety bag.

SLA

Sealed Lead Acid (SLA)

  • Discussion Link: [3]

Pros:

  • Cheap
  • Reliable
  • Medium Discharge
  • Easy to Recycle
  • Low cost charger

Cons:

  • Heavy
  • Slow Charge Rate

Notes: Very easy to source, even free in some cases. 33.664W/Kg

NiMH

Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH)

  • Discussion Link: [4]

Pros:

  • Excellent Weight/Watts
  • Easy to source/replace cells.
  • Fairly safe

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • 3C MAX Discharge
  • Medium-Slow recharge
  • Difficult to Recycle

Notes: Middle of the road but the slow and possibly recharge rate has me disinterested 89W/Kg

Power Distribution

Battery Connectors and Power Distribution