Electrical – Using a lipo battery 3s while charging

battery-charginglipoload

Is it possible to charge an 3s (3-cell wired in series) lipo battery with a balanced charger (and using the balanced charger port of the battery ofc) and connect a load to the discharge port of the battery at the same time?

For example using:

Charger: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__7637__Turnigy_12v_2_3S_Basic_Balance_Charger.html

Battery: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__92447__Turnigy_700mAh_3S_30C_Lipo_Pack_XT30_.html

My concern is that the charging is done by wiring the cells in a semi parallel way (all ground are tied together and each positive are going to the charger) and drawing is by connecting the cells in series – wouldn't it short circuit the battery?

Best Answer

While 'charging while using' is possible for a LiPo battery, it is not recommended, as it may compromise the battery safety and lifetime.

This is because the charger measures its own output current, but it does not know about the load current. The battery voltage is also lower than it would otherwise be. This means the charger incorrectly estimates both its state and rate of charge.

The idea of a standard charger charging in parallel is overwhelmingly unlikely, and can be dismissed.

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