Battery and antispark questions

[Fender]

Hello! I had some questions about battery choice for my electric longboard project. I will be using an Enertion R SPEC 190Kv motor and the VESC to control it.
I want something equivalent to an 8S battery pack. I would really like to avoid LiPo batteries because of their safety risks.

Would it be a good idea to use some 18650 batteries instead?
Would there be any problems with the 18650's discharge rating?

Also related to power, does the VESC require an antispark circuit? I wanted to turn my board on and off with a solid state relay, so are there any solid state antispark circuits?

Any information would be helpful! Thanks!

 

[torqueboards]

LiPo packs are relatively safe and function as similar to other packs. Everyone does act like LiPo packs are scary and unless you overcharge a pack and puff it up, abuse by smashing/throwing it on the ground. LiPo packs are safe. The idea of them being unsafe is more of a myth IMO. I've never had any issues with LiPo packs randomly catching on fire it was usually due to user error.

You can always go LifePo4 packs from HobbyKing but they are bigger in size and less voltage + less capacity + more expensive. IMO, I don't think it's worth the effort.

Would it be a good idea to use some 18650 batteries instead?

18650's would be another good option for battery packs. They are a bit more expensive some can be cheaper if you tie in the battery charger prices with it as well. 18650's you can keep the enclosure height much smaller.

You can build your own pack like whitepony and/or purchase a pre-built pack. Chaka has a pack + wooden board that's pretty awesome. Onloop/Enertion sells a 10S3P 18650 pack.

I should be having a 12S3P pack shortly as well.

Would there be any problems with the 18650's discharge rating?

There can be if there is not enough batteries in parallel. Your best bet is a high voltage 8S-12S with 3P to 6-9P in parallel. The more in parallel the better your pack will be and last.

If you want a beast of a pack. I'd suggest Chaka's custom battery setups. You can get a 8S9P or something ridiculous. He can also build an on/off switch for you as well.

Also related to power, does the VESC require an antispark circuit? I wanted to turn my board on and off with a solid state relay, so are there any solid state antispark circuits?

An anti-spark is better too have. Ben has also made an anti-spark PCB which you can find as sl33py made them available. https://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=73800

I also sell an option as well. However, Ben's I believe would work much better.

 

[flat tire]

The dangers of LiPo have been exaggerated to no end. They're probably an order of magnitude less dangerous than the potential injuries you face riding your motorized craft. For your application, LiPo is definitely the best battery.