Choose again: LiPo vs INR vs A123

[hillyterrain]

I know this has been chewed through a billion times, but I'm trying to organize my thought, just too much going on in the threads on these topics:

So as far as I understand:

LiPo high energy density, high power density, might just blow up and burn down whatever is dear to you

A123 high power density, "low" energy density, if you have enough space in your triangle fill it up with these cells

Samsung INR, as said elsewhere

$7 for 2Ah cell is $3.5/Ah, which is 3 times more expensive than other quality cells... A bit too much.

Its not cost per AH but capability of a high discharge on a known and safe chemistry. Everyone loves lipo but don't want a fireball. Everyone loves lifepo4 but don't like the size. To me this is the answer that bridges the gap. Even thou you say its 3.5$ /ah the Panasonic's are more than 4$/ah.

No one said this is the cheapest but for the diy the seller gives you a headstart with all the spot welding.

I ride a continuously long and steep hill, I need 20A all the way, however I can do with a small battery pack. With most cells a 5Ah pack wouldn't give you enough power to live a happy long battery life, I'm trying to get away from LiPo for safety reasons, since I only need a small pack will A123 be my choice? Once I need a bigger pack for distance, spending the money on the Samsung INR might be worth it (having big pack also means lower C for drawing 20A)


Is this so far correct or am I missing and aspect or chemistry I should consider?

Thanks so much!!

 

[dogman dan]

I wouldn't call A123 round cells low energy density. Low-ER than RC lipo yes, but not that bad. I would still want at least 8-10 ah size for an A123 pack though. Still small enough to fit on most bikes with ease.

But if keeping the bike superlight is the goal, Lipo still rules. Managing two 6s 5 ah lipo packs safely is not so hard. Not as big a hazard as large packs with 8 or more batteries each with it's own risk of a bad cell.

 

[friendly1uk]

My main concerns are weight and cost. Luckily I need not compromise, as both come from lipo. I can't imagine why I would pay more for heavier batteries that perform no better.

There is a 2013 lipo disaster thread. Three posts. Two were user error, and one is unknown. Considering how many packs are out there, I don't feel very concerned.