Lipo Battery Puffing

kk6axq · Jul 11, 2018

I have 2 UltraX Typhoon H batteries that I bought last Nov. Since then, I've flow each battery maybe 5 flights. Both batteries are showing 2-3 mm of puffing in the top and bottom of the battery cases where the stickers are. Is this normal? Is this due to the stock charger not charging correctly? I've ordered a balance charging lead so I can properly charge them and keep an eye on the cell voltages, but I want to know if anybody else has experienced this...
Thanks,
kk6axq

PatR · Jul 11, 2018

Much depends on how you treated them. Did you store them fully charged for more than a couple weeks at a time?

Many have experienced battery puffing regardless of the brand. The cause is most often due to failing to understand how to correctly take care of them.

Steve Carr · Jul 11, 2018

The most important part of lipo life span is the storage voltage. They last much longer when they are stored at 15.2 v. I try not to charge them more than a day ahead of time. Some of mine are puffed from improper storage.

kk6axq · Jul 12, 2018

I've always stored the batteries fully charger, so that's probably why they're puffing. I'll make sure to always storage charge them when not using them... Thanks for the info!

Steve Carr · Jul 12, 2018

kk6axq said:
I've always stored the batteries fully charger, so that's probably why they're puffing. I'll make sure to always storage charge them when not using them... Thanks for the info!

Yep, that would be the cause. If you land at 14.7 volts, the battery voltage will rebound to about 15.2 which is perfect for storage.

aber57 · Jul 15, 2018

I charge with a fan blowing on battery. Also cool the batteries this way after flight when it's possible. Just an 8 inch cheapy Walmart desk fan. I work for a car manufacturer and we (and most others) have elaborate cooling system, including refrigerant cooling of the coolant, to keep the LiPo batts in their sweet spot. I can't believe the hot temps during charge are a good thing for longest service life.

KEITH KUHN · Jul 15, 2018

Steve Carr said:
The most important part of lipo life span is the storage voltage. They last much longer when they are stored at 15.2 v. I try not to charge them more than a day ahead of time. Some of mine are puffed from improper storage.

Thanks Steve
good to know this stuff I have 2 right now they're fully charged and I left fully charged for two days now perhaps this evening I will run them down.