Swapping from Lithium-ion (LiFeP02) to Lithium Polymer (LiFeP04)

[Tubamanandy]

FIRST POST...be kind

My old 36V 12Ah Lithium-ion battery is due for replacement and I'd like to swap it for a more modern (and safer) Lithium Polymer (LiFeP04).

I know the polymer batteries are a bit bigger and heavier for same power output but will I need to swap over my controller as well as buying a new charger and battery carrier ? My current battery has a 3-pin kettle type connector (RCA ?) - not sure if the polymer batteries still use these.

Would be really helpful to know the better makes of Lithium Polymer batteries to watch out for.

 

[Deleted member 4366]

I'd avoid the LiFePO4 batteries with the small cylindrical cells because they're easily damaged. Li Ping is highly respected for the quality of his batteries, but you have to make an enclosure for them.
http://www.pingbattery.com/servlet/the-V2.5-LiFePO4-Battery-Packs/Categories?gclid=COnLsPySyrwCFbLJtAodqEYANg

Eclipse sell Headway cells and batteries in the UK:
http://eclipsebikes.com/index.php?osCsid=df89bde2f642b2995f6af1bf0a81db44

Otherwise, BMSBattery have them as well, but a it cheaper. They also have some nice batteries in cases for easier installation.
http://www.bmsbattery.com/124-lifepo4

You won't have to change your controller. You can also use your old charger, although most batteries come with a charger. LiFePO4 is usually charged to a slightly higher voltage of 43.8v. It takes about 5 minutes to change a connector or make an adapter. Is that an issue?

 

[Tubamanandy]

Wow, quite expensive for the 346V 15Ah Headway Polymer £368 - I'm hoping this is a good quality battery pack. Not sure if I could get a decent aluminum enclosure for it though for my rear carrier.

 

[patpatbut]

If they are protected from the hard case (polycarbon), would that be ok?
Pat

 

[Tubamanandy]

I hadn't really thought of buying/using a hard polycarbonate type back box that are readily available but just had an email suggesting this is a decent way forward.

Any experts on the wiring side ? My existing lithium battery has the 3-pin kettle type power connector. Not sure how many wires come out of a Lithium Polymer battery and what they are.

 

[Deleted member 4366]

Two wires. The middle one isn't connected.