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RC enthusiasts use LiPo batteries, which can cause a lot of damage if mishandled and damaged, you can see a video here where a famous quadcopter pilot shows how
by kawsper 10y ago
RC enthusiasts use LiPo batteries, which can cause a lot of damage if mishandled and damaged, you can see a video here where a famous quadcopter pilot shows how many batteries he carries for a day of flying [0].
These batteries go into your carry-on luggage and needs to be protected from damage and short circuit.
Some info on why batteries shouldn't be in the cargo hold "Halon 1301, the suppression agent found in Class C cargo compartments, is ineffective in controlling a lithium metal cell fire." [1]
Here is the FAA requirements:
- LiPo batteries installed in a device are ok in either checked or carry-on luggage.
- An unlimited number of spare (uninstalled) LiPo batteries with a rating of up to 100 WHr may be carried, but only in carry-on baggage.
- With airline approval, up to 2 LiPo batteries with ratings between 100 and 160 WHr may be carried, but only in carry-on luggage.
- LiPo batteries larger than 160 WHr are not allowed.
It seems really strange you can travel with these things, I can't imagine the damage that will happen if a bag of batteries happens to blow up.
[0] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCtneglrE8I&t=278 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCtneglrE8I&t=278
[1] http://www.faa.gov/other_visit/aviation_industry/airline_operators/airline_safety/safo/all_safos/media/2010/safo10017.pdf http://www.faa.gov/other_visit/aviation_industry/airline_ope...
- snovv_crash 10y agoJust FYI, LiPo batteries aren't lithium-metal, they are lithium-ion. They have different failure mechanisms. The fire in a LiPo is cause by the electrolyte being too hot due to an internal short-circuit and thus igniting, not because lithium is reacting with water as a lithium-metal battery does. LiPo is thus safer than lithium-metal, since a leak to the environment doesn't necessarily result in a fire. Even safer are LiFePO4, which are as safe as NiMh, although their energy density is slightly lower than LiPo. Lithium-metal is mostly used for coin cells, eg for watches.
- mizchief2 10y agoWe also use Fire-proof bags when charging the batteries and I personally transport mine in a sealed metal ammo can. Any batteries not directly being used in a device should only be transportable if in a lipo-safe bag.
- rebootthesystem 10y agoI have about three dozen LiPo packs of various sizes, cell counts and energy content for my RC planes and helicopters. I've had many swell-up. We took the opportunity to safely abuse them and see what a fireball failure looks like. Scary and awesome at the same time. All my LiPo's are kept in fiberglass fireproof bags. These bags are kept in a dedicated metal toolbox with a set of exhaust holes drilled. The toolbox sits on a set of bricks laid flat on top of a table. Also, there's nothing flammable on top of the toolbox. The point is to contain the heat and fireball while allowing pressure and smoke to release. The system hasn't been tested yet (haven't had a pack self ignite, ever) yet I feel reasonably confident that it will do a good job of protecting my house.