Lithium Polymer (LiPo) batteries are very popular options amongst electronics enthusiasts and even professionals alike. This is because it has a very good power density, discharge rates and is versatile. Out of all sizes available in LiPo batteries, the 6S LiPo is among the favorites for hard core applications like drones, RC vehicles and electric aircraft. This article will focus on the 6S LiPo battery, exploring its features, advantages, and important factors that need to be observed.
What is a 6S LiPo Battery?
A “6S” LiPo battery is a battery pack that is made up of 6 cells arranged in a series configuration. In a packaging arrangement if a still or LiPo battery the usual voltage provided by a single cell is usually 3.7 volts. Hence the nominal voltage of a 6S LiPo battery would be:
6 cells x 3.7V = 22.2V
The industry standard voltage of each cell extended fully charged will be 4.2V, thus the highest voltage one would expect a fully charged 6S LiPo to be is:
6 cells x 4.2V = 25.2V
Due to exhibiting a higher voltage which implies more power, the 6S configuration is frequently found in high performance applications.
LiPo Batteries – Advantages of Using a 6S LiPo Battery Besides the most delicate RC batteries, LiPo has some kind of surplus. There is hardly any other type of battery that has many advantages and quite a few nooks and crannies demanding behavior of this techno-outfit. How ever, Let me give a point wise ledger of benefits of 6S LiPo over other LiPo configurations.
- Higher Voltage, More Power: Being a six cell series, the 6S LiPo has greater voltage ratings compared to the 2S, 3S or 4S batteries which have fewer cell counts. As a result, this battery finds favor in high power demanding situations such as in high speed drones, electric vehicles as well as RC planes. This translates to higher voltage and thus better efficiency of the motors leading to responsiveness and power of your electronics.
- High Discharge Rate: Another impressive characteristic feature of the LiPo battery is its discharge rates that are often accompanied or rated with a letter C. Of course the “C” rating defines the amount of power that a battery is capable of discharging in a period of time. High C rated 6S LiPo is effective in helping in energizing loads that needs to deliver sudden impulses of power.
- Lightweight Design: Although LiPo batteries allows for much power to be utilized they are noted to be light in weight. This especially helps when it comes to drone and Rc applications that one understands that the lighter the weight the faster or more manoeuvrable and long flying time one gets.
- Small Volume: When looked at against other battery types, LiPo batteries are smaller, offering a noble trade-off between size, weight and power output. Most RC vehicles and drones can fit into a 6S LiPo battery thus making it quite convenient for hobbyists.
Applications of 6S LiPo Batteries
The 6S LiPo battery has a wide range of uses in different industrial and leisure pursuits which need maximum energy output and efficiency. Some of its most common uses are as follows:
Drones and Quadcopters
There are many types of quadcopters and drones that utilize 6S LiPo batteries since they need higher limits and thus improve efficiency for optimum hovers. More powerful engines mean that the drones will cover more distances, achieve higher altitudes, and remain in air longer, which is important for film photography, drone races or any other heavy duty operations.
Remote Control (RC) Cars and Planes
For RC cars, trucks and planes, the use of 6S LiPo batteries is common among RC hobbyists. With the extra voltage, it becomes possible to accelerate fast, and attain high speeds that are suitable for races… this exceeds any hobbyist level performance.
Electric Aircraft
In the case of electric aircraft models, they require an extreme amount of ‘current’ to keep it in the air for a longer period. Most rc models are 6s with considerable capacity since it is able to supply the motors and the electronic control systems.
FPV Racing
This intriguing sport is known as FPV or First-Person View drone racing whereby drones traverse through given tracks at phenomenal speeds and unlocking impressive turning capabilities that owe to super light and great power batteries. For that very particular use case, the 6S LiPo battery seems to be one of the best choices since it combines power and weight, there are no compromises and outstanding racing performance is guaranteed.
Important considerations for Accomplished use of 6S LiPo Batteries
Suitable and Safe Charging
It is well documented that LiPo batteries come with certain style and challenge when it comes to charging; they need caution and good management so that the batteries’ health and safety can be maintained over time. First of all, balance charging should be performed with the help of a balance charger – it is a specific type of a charger that eliminates this one-sided overcurrent by ensuring that all cells are charged in the same way until the cut-off voltage is reached. Allowing a LiPo battery to be charged too much can result in overheating, swelling, overheating and even worse things so make sure the charging operation is closely supervised.
Storage Voltage
Storage voltage There is an ideal target voltage at which LiPo batteries should be stored to prevent serious damage or fire hazards when not in use; such voltages are commonly referred to as safe storage voltage. Safe storage voltage is usually approximately 3.8V per cell. This implies that it is not advisable to store batteries that have been fully charged or completely depleted over a long duration since the battery can too much in either of the two extremes which can cut its life span.
Management of the temperature
LiPo batteries have a very limited temperature range and effective operation within these boundaries is always desired. Most middle stratification of a Lithium Polymer battery is the lowest temperature at which the batteries could be used and kept. There are limits on the performance, rate of deterioration, or damage to the battery cells when a 6S LiPo is stored and used in extreme heat or cold.
C-Rating and Discharge Limitations
Always consider the C-rating of a 6S Lipo battery that you choose especially, some critical the maximum continuous discharge rating. The main risk of no limits C Authorities is very much overheating of the battery and the risk of failure is very much possible. However, confirm that the power requirements of your application will not exceed the allowable operating characteristics of the battery.
Safety Preventative Measures
Although LiPo batteries are high performing, they can be quite risky if suitable precautions are not taken. With respect to the 6S LiPo batteries, it is advisable to be aware of the following factors:
- Do not ever stab or dent the battery pack. The cells are damaged which could result in a short circuit and cause a fire if they are misused.
- Charging should always take place in a designated place or a fire safe LiPo charging bag. This will minimize the chance of fire.
- Be sure to oversee charging and discharging processes. Under no circumstances should a LiPo battery be left unsupervised during charging.
- Recycling of exhausted batteries. At the end of life of a LiPo battery, regulations will have to govern its waste disposal.
Energy 6s lipo battery is very powerful, light and versatile and is used in sophisticated applications. Whether putting in power hungry FPV, rc’s abuses or even electric planes, the 6S must do its job and produce adequate power and voltage for difficult applications. But strict compliance with basic rules for the charging process, storage conditions and usage, can help you extend the efficiency and safety of the batteries. When used with the proper precautions and guidelines, a 6s LiPo battery can be an excellent tool for all your high power requirements.
