Lithium-Ion Batteries: WHY They Demand Respect
This summer, the WHY (What Hackers Yearn) event took place in the Netherlands, featuring a badge reflecting the QWERTY computer aesthetic popular among current badges. This particular badge was powered by two 18650 lithium-ion cells arranged in a parallel configuration.
The 18650 cell is a favorite for many hardware hackers, including myself, due to its widespread availability, affordability in bulk, ease of integration, and high energy capacity. These cells are often considered the closest equivalent to a “LiIon battery module” and are well-suited for various projects.
However, despite my enthusiasm, the 18650 cells proved to be a poor choice for the WHY badge for several reasons. This experience highlighted important limitations and pitfalls that anyone planning to use 18650 cells in their projects or products should be aware of.
Here, I will explain what made these cells unsuitable in this instance and offer guidance on overcoming such challenges during your own build journey.
"I just genuinely love 18650 cells, in all glory they bring to hardware hacking, and my excitement must’ve blindsided me."
The lesson from the WHY badge project is that even popular and reliable components like 18650 lithium-ion cells demand careful consideration and respect due to their potential risks and constraints.
Key Points to Consider When Using 18650 Cells
- Widely available and cost-effective in large quantities
- High energy density and ease of interfacing with projects
- Susceptible to issues if not managed properly in complex designs
Working Around 18650 Limitations
Understanding the specific limitations of 18650 cells in certain applications can help you design safer and more efficient power solutions. Careful handling, proper battery management systems, and considering alternative configurations or cell types might be necessary.
Summary
The 18650 lithium-ion cell is a powerful and accessible option for many hardware projects, but using it without respect for its limits can lead to undesirable results, as seen in the WHY badge case.
Author’s note: Careful design and awareness of lithium-ion battery risks are essential to harness their full potential safely and effectively.
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