Damage battery, what to do?

[Windmanquebec]

Posted in Lipo section, but you guys are faster to respond

I just crash and damage the battery. Should I scrap it?

[gixster]

looks like its just the shrink wrap torn isnt it?
If its just the outer wrap its fine, i would just tape it so it doesnt rip open more, if the foil is broken i wouldnt use it
all 3 cells still the same voltage?

[Windmanquebec]

As is from crash, no charge or storage:

IR: 3-5-2 mOhms voltage:4.12-4.12-4.13 V

I open the wrap a bit to see inside. What do you think?

[tracks]

dont chance it....bucket of salt-water for 24 hrs.....

[Windmanquebec]

Originally Posted by tracks

dont chance it....bucket of salt-water for 24 hrs.....

and what that`s going to do? kill it?

[tracks]

split one cell and imerse it in salt-water...it will render it useless...

why even think about flying with a lipo that damaged...it aint worth the risk...it is a definte puffer...just play it safe

[InFocus]

whoa? split a cell? what do you mean? I thought as soon as you puncture the inner covering it would emit fire.

[Dylwad]

Yeah, dont split a cell, and keep the salt in the kitchen.

If it smells sweet dont try to fly with it, the damage doesnt look too bad but its still risky. Lots of people fly with way worse every day, I dispose if them properly at the first signs of trouble, its not worth the risk for me.

Proper lipo disposal is easy, discharge it to 0 volts very slowly using the nicad discharge function, a resistor, light bulb, or a combination of all three.

With a fully charged pack this should take at least a few hours (size your resistor or set discharge rate accirdingly) aim for .5c or less.

After all cells measure 0 volts, cut and strip the leads, twist them together and toss it in the trash.

Do this away from anything flammable.

The battery shouldnt get more than a little warm, if it does you are discharging it too fast.

Salt water is messy, and not a guranteed method, the cell tabs can corrode away before the cells are fully discharged, leaving charge in a cell with no way to get it out, plus the disssolved metals in the water arent exactly safe when you are done, or while its sitting in the middle of your yard for days.

[spykez]

Originally Posted by Dylwad

...
With a fully charged pack this should take at least a few hours (size your resistor or set discharge rate accirdingly) aim for .5c or less.

After all cells measure 0 volts, cut and strip the leads, twist them together and toss it in the trash...

Electronics was never one of my strengths - so assuming 11 v and 1A, you want at least an 11 ohm resistor or higher is that right?

[MattRendall]

Voltage = Current * Resistance, so yes, you are correct. But make sure the resistor is rated for at least 1 amp discharge rate. Many of the smalls ones aren't.

[Windmanquebec]

So finally I decided to go on the safe side.
I discharged the battery using a 20w 12 volt automotive bulb. It took approx 2 hrs.
One cell was at 0, the second one at 0.2 volts and the 3rd one at 0.56 volts.

I started with the 0 volts one and I cut the protective shield, removed it and unfold the cell completely seperating all layers. I did the same with the 2 other cell. I was worry all the time that somethig could happen. I had gloves and safety glass on in case...

Finally the were no apparent damage. I think I could have go for a while with it, but anyway it`s only $18 down the drain and a good experience.

[Dylwad]

No need to open the cells ever, 0 volts is all you need.

Unless you were just curious, glad you wore gloves

[Windmanquebec]

yes curious, at least for 18$ I got satisfied