How do you build a Lithium Battery Pack?

Question

I am building a robot and i do not want to use a lead acid battery, one because it is so heavy and two because i need a lot of energy in a some what small area. If you dont think the lithiums would do the job can you tell what would do a better job. Also do you know of any cheep hydrogen power stations. Thank you

Answer 1

You shouldn't mess with anything dangerous. Instead, buy "ready to use" lithium-ion batteries. Get the appropriate charger for that too, as an error in power might cause the batteries to EXPLODE. Consider using Laptop Batteries and the "made for" recharger. Visit http://www.laptopsforless.com I am not talking about a laptop power cord, as the Charging circuit is a part of the laptop.

You might try Nickel Metal Hydride or NiMH batteries instead. They are probably safer. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nickel_metal_hydride_battery

You see, either will work, but it is a matter of safety and being disposable.

Good luck and Happy Computing!

Answer 2

Very Very carefully!
Quoting the article below:
What happens if a lithium-ion battery is inadvertently overcharged? lithium-ion is designed to operate safely within their normal operating voltage but become unstable if charged to higher voltages. When charging above 4.30V, the cell causes plating of metallic lithium on the anode; the cathode material becomes an oxidizing agent, loses stability and releases oxygen. Overcharging causes the cell to heat up. If left unattended, the cell could vent with flame.

Flame is bad! The chargers for lithium-ion and NiMh are magical devices..... They require more design then most amatures can provide (myself included).

Look for battery and charger combinations on the auction web sites.
Good Luck!

Answer 3

My hobby robotics customers usually use the Ni-Cd packs from RC cars. They have the best balance of energy/weight and reliable operation. I have some on my store site www.tinmanrobotics.com.
If you absolutely want to go with lithium you can get a cheap cordless tool and take it apart for the batt pack and charger combo.
Don't try and build anything without being positive of the charger specifications. can easily cause exposion/ flame.
Or you can look to the RC industry for Li-Po. I don't carry it in the store yet because of short history and stories of exploding packs.

Answer 4

go to popsci dot com. Check how2.0 ( do it your self thing)
I remember seeing a project like that a while ago on making your own batteries, just scroll on the archives, it should not be that old.
Good luck on your project!!!