Batteries Lipo Fires in Charger Cases

[vimy]

Whilst I'm gathering the necessary parts to build a charging station. I've been looking at the various configurations and designs. The main ones are either an instrument case type that opens out like a suit case as the Progressive RC systems. The other is more like a tool box, that is tall and relatively narrow. Both designs seem to favour batteries being charged inside the charging station. Great for being compact and keeping everything together, not good if something goes awry.

I'm spooked by Lipo fires, though I still think Lipos are safer to handle than liquid fuel. I will do as much as possible to minimise damage should anything burst into flames whilst charging or when being stored.

It was this fire:

http://i1018.photobucket.com/albums/af303/glider22/IMG_0956_zpse23dcdd0.jpg

that persuaded me to isolate the charger from the MPA boards and Lipos, via long leads and preferably in a Lipo bag, put in a military ammunition/incendiary storage box.

Here is Mark's EastBay RC blog and his ideas (does anyone know Mark?), they are what I would like to do if I had the room. I don't unfortunately.

EastBay RC: LiPo Battery Charging and Storage

The main point is keeping the batteries physically isolated from the charger at all times when charging. Because even if you are in the vicinity of the batteries and they happen to burst into flames, you will still lose the charger and PSU if the batteries are sitting in the case with it.

Even with an extinguisher on hand, unnecessary damage will occur due to time getting the fire extinguished.

 

[Lee]

I saw a great idea for a lipo station on Flitetest.
Above the batteries being charged, was a bag of sand.
If a fire broke out, the bag melted and the sand fell onto the batteries putting out the fire.

 

[Graham Lawrie]

The one i built was done with this in mind. My charger connects to the power supply but is away from it. Andi charge with everything inside a charge safe bag

 

[SIXFOOTER]

sHOULD BE A SIMPLE MATTER TO MAKE THE CONNECTION PIGTAIL A LITTLE LONG AND KEEP THE BATTERY OUTSIDE OF THE FANCY CASE.
THATS MY PLAN ANYWEAYS

- - - Updated - - -

Sorry for the caps

 

[vimy]

I saw a great idea for a lipo station on Flitetest.

What a great site! Thanks for mentioning it Lee. I've signed up. What a simple but effective idea, a sand bag does allow the batteries to charge without supervision.

Hello Graham, it's definitely the way to go. I prefer to just lose the Lipos, even the MPA board if that has to be in the vicinity of the batteries if they go up. What I am not going to cop, is an entire charge station of around $800 AUD.

Hello SIXFOOTER, yes, I agree. That is what I am doing and extending the ribbon cable for the MPA boards as well to get the entire battery interface at least 2m from the charger. All connections will be terminated a the station side panel and using banana connections for the heavy current and Amphenol DB25 D connectors for the balance connections the charger station can be plugged from the outside.

I purchased a military ammunition storage box. For only $20 AUD, it is well worth the money. Heavily built, completely sealed when shut with long sides on the lid and a heavy clasp, it will contain a Lipo fire. You couldn't make such a box for less.