These cells were purchased by me for the purposes of testing from recyclablepower at ebay (2x LG HD4 18650 2000mAh 30A IMR HighDrain Rechargeable Liion Battery ICR18650HD4). To prevent any confusion with the eGo-type "batteries", I use the term "cell" here to refer to a single 18650, 26650, etc.
Disclaimer
The statements, conclusions, and recommendations I make based on these tests are only my personal opinion. Carefully research any battery you are considering using before purchasing.
Testing cells at their limits is dangerous and should never, ever, be attempted by anyone who has not thoroughly studied the dangers involved and how to minimize them.
A note regarding current ratings and my testing
If the cell has only one current rating number on it, or if it says "max discharging current" then I have to assume that the company is stating that the cell can be discharged at that current level in any way, including continuously.
Bottom Line
This is a great 25A continuous, 2100mAh battery. The HD4 is a slightly better performer than the HD2 due to its higher voltage during discharge and its longer running time. But it has a slightly lower voltage and running time than the HD2C.
Continuous-Current Test Results (with comparison to HD2 and HD2C)
Pulsed-Current Test Results
These tests are done to show the performance of the cell at higher pulsed current levels. If you are running your mod at these levels be aware that you risk overheating, and possibly venting of, the battery if there is a malfunction or accidental pressing of your mechanical mod's button.
Comments
List of Battery Tests | E-Cigarette Forum
18350 Safety Grades and Pulse Performance Data | E-Cigarette Forum
18650 Battery Ratings -- Picking a Safe Battery to Vape With | E-Cigarette Forum
26650 Safety Grades and Pulse Performance Data | E-Cigarette Forum
Disclaimer
The statements, conclusions, and recommendations I make based on these tests are only my personal opinion. Carefully research any battery you are considering using before purchasing.
Testing cells at their limits is dangerous and should never, ever, be attempted by anyone who has not thoroughly studied the dangers involved and how to minimize them.
A note regarding current ratings and my testing
If the cell has only one current rating number on it, or if it says "max discharging current" then I have to assume that the company is stating that the cell can be discharged at that current level in any way, including continuously.
Bottom Line
This is a great 25A continuous, 2100mAh battery. The HD4 is a slightly better performer than the HD2 due to its higher voltage during discharge and its longer running time. But it has a slightly lower voltage and running time than the HD2C.
Continuous-Current Test Results (with comparison to HD2 and HD2C)
Pulsed-Current Test Results
These tests are done to show the performance of the cell at higher pulsed current levels. If you are running your mod at these levels be aware that you risk overheating, and possibly venting of, the battery if there is a malfunction or accidental pressing of your mechanical mod's button.
Comments
- At 10A continuous it reached about 2020mAh. This is too high for a 2000mAh-rated cell operating at 10A so I am rating this cell at 2100mAh.
- At 15A continuous the temperature rose to 63°C. This is significantly below the average temperature for a cell operating at its continuous discharge rating (CDR).
- At 20A continuous the temperature rose to 72°C. This is a few degrees below the average temperature for a cell operating at its CDR.
- At 25A continuous the temperature rose to 80°C. This is a couple degrees above the average temperature for a cell operating at its CDR, indicating that we're discharging at the cell's rating. It is a very typical temperature for an LG cell.
- At 30A continuous the temperature rose to 93°C. This is incredibly hot and is too high to set this discharge level as the CDR.
- At 35A continuous the temperature rose to 105°C. This is above my safety limit of 100°C.
- I am setting a CDR of 25A for this cell since at this current level the operating temperature is near the average for a cell operating at its CDR. While operating any cell near its rated maximum current level causes damage to the cell, I would expect good cycle life from this cell at 25A continuous.
- I have included pulsed discharges but I haven't set pass/fail standards for pulse testing yet. The discharges were done at 5sec on/30sec off, down to 2.5V. One chart shows the entire discharge at each level. The other chart is zoomed in to show the first 5 minutes to make it easier to see the voltage sag at different current levels.
List of Battery Tests | E-Cigarette Forum
18350 Safety Grades and Pulse Performance Data | E-Cigarette Forum
18650 Battery Ratings -- Picking a Safe Battery to Vape With | E-Cigarette Forum
26650 Safety Grades and Pulse Performance Data | E-Cigarette Forum
