EarthX and B&C Charging System
- Thread starter stewartb
- Start date
Gordon Misch
MEMBER
Toledo, Wa (KTDO)
Yes, kinda like insults, that some folks offer way more than their fair share of.
wireweinie
FOUNDER
Palmer, AK
Eddie, front and center! We need a chemical engineers take, here.
There are several types of batteries that use lithium and (something else). EarthX batteries are NOT lithium-ion construction. They are lithium-iron phosphate. Different chemicals in the mixture means different reactions to charge rate and heat. Also like to point out the human error in most of these 'smoke/fire' incidents. The article pointed out by Mr. Pierce states that the owner had completely discharged this battery ('flattened' it). Since that depletion the battery has failed to consistently hold a charge. He admits that on the flight in which the fire occurred, he left the jump pack connected for the flight. AND he ignored charge/voltage warnings and continued to fly. All part of the cascade of events.
Another point to consider if imagining the EarthX in the above situation, is that EarthX has their BMI circuit which shuts off the battery when the voltage drops to a set level. This would have protected the battery from a complete discharge and any damage that would result from it.
Web
There are several types of batteries that use lithium and (something else). EarthX batteries are NOT lithium-ion construction. They are lithium-iron phosphate. Different chemicals in the mixture means different reactions to charge rate and heat. Also like to point out the human error in most of these 'smoke/fire' incidents. The article pointed out by Mr. Pierce states that the owner had completely discharged this battery ('flattened' it). Since that depletion the battery has failed to consistently hold a charge. He admits that on the flight in which the fire occurred, he left the jump pack connected for the flight. AND he ignored charge/voltage warnings and continued to fly. All part of the cascade of events.
Another point to consider if imagining the EarthX in the above situation, is that EarthX has their BMI circuit which shuts off the battery when the voltage drops to a set level. This would have protected the battery from a complete discharge and any damage that would result from it.
Web
skywagon8a
MEMBER
SE Mass MA6
lithium-ion or lithium-iRon It is so easy to confuse since there is only one letter difference in the spelling. Especially since most folks just call them all lithium batteries. Perhaps when we are looking to buy a lithium battery we should first ask ourselves if the battery is "Strong like Iron?".
Eddie Foy
MEMBER
South Florida
I'll link it again. Listen and learn about Lithium Ion batteries from the expert. A little knowlege can't hurt.
https://video.eaa.org/detail/video/5456130349001/webinar--lithium-batteries-explainedhttps://video.eaa.org/detail/video/5456130349001/webinar--lithium-batteries-explained
https://video.eaa.org/detail/video/5456130349001/webinar--lithium-batteries-explainedhttps://video.eaa.org/detail/video/5456130349001/webinar--lithium-batteries-explained
cubflier
MEMBER
Palmer, AK
Something I have observed and been guilty of myself is installing the B&C in a place that limits accessibility to the connection terminals and the adjustment port. I finally went through the pain of rectifying mine. It's a good thing to keep in mind if you are going to use EarthX or similar battery. Another consideration is the under used terminal number 2 on the B&C regulator. It is used to test the over voltage system. A momentary jump between terminals 6 and 2 sets it off and lets you know if the 5 amp breaker is working. I have tested the unit on the bench by running the voltage past 16.2 but never used terminal 2 while the regulator was installed. B&C recommends this test at annual as I recall.
Jerry
Jerry
