Use of Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries in place of Lead Acid for FRC robot

[Mk.32]

Originally Posted by AdamHeard

Do some research and over-current and puncture test for LiFePO4, they don't trivially throw smoke/flames like other lithium chemistries.

They are completely uncomparable to "LiPo" cells.

I have personally poked holes in most of them....

A123s are fairly safe, some other Lifepo4's are not as much but when they vent they vent. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EMARDvMz62A

The pouch types LiFepo4s also vent pretty energetically, that was what a kid at a local robot event had go off in his bit and he got a face full of lithium smoke (And this was like a tiny 2AH 12v pack).

Sure LiFepo4 it's much safer then LiPo but I still wouldn't trust high school kids with them.