ORIGINAL: SpiderJets
Why balancing A123s ??
It is not necessary at all, we were getting used to it since we were using Lipos, but A123s are not sensitive at all to voltage differences between the cells.
I have been reading pages and pages of official reports and forum comments on the internet and I could only conclude there's no need for balancing.
I am using Orbit Pocketlader (V2.24, now with LiFP charging program) in case I am happy with max 4A (= most of the times !) ; I also have a Dapter+Ultra Duo Plus 30 if I want to have max 8A (!).
Some people were even reporting to charge their 2300s with 10A without any problem or sign of cell fatigue.
To avoid the "I told you so !" comments, I balance my A123 packs every 5-10 cycles nevertheless with an independent pocket balancer (MKS 3 Lipo Balancer) :
http://www.skyhobbies.com.sg/Lipo_Balancers.htm
This balancer is cheap, very practical, and has more features as well, such as battery tester and discharger (for long storage of Lipos for example).
I cannot imagine the DeWalt packs of 36V or automobile packs being charged balanced. Correct me if I am wrong.
Nicolas.
Nicolas,
Actually, these batteries are balance charged in DeWalt packs AND hybrid vehicle applications. I know this because I have bought and disassembled both. It is not as crucial to balance charge after an initial charge, but I will tell you from first hand experience that about 5% of the cells, factory fresh, wind up with a voltage of about 1.5volts, when made inseries with other cells as in DeWalt packs and hybrid applications. I don't know why this occurs, but it happens. An initial balance charge corrects this problem and it never seems to pop back up.
If you do not balance charge your packs, at least initially, you MAY be missing out on some capacity of your battery. The fewer cells you have, the more reduced your capacity may be. After an initial balance charge, it is not as crucial and any loss of capacity will be less than 50-100 Mah.
Chad