These cells were donated for the purposes of testing by All Day Vapes (www.alldayvapes365.com). Thank you! To prevent any confusion with the eGo-type "batteries", I use the term "cell" here to refer to a single 18350, 18650, 26650, etc.
While the test results are hard data, the conclusions and recommendations I make based on these tests are only my personal opinion based on my criteria for setting a rating. Carefully research any cell 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.
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 only a 23A cell that I am rating at 4300mAh. It is identical in appearance and performance to the Basen and Brillipower 4500mAh cells. It is damaged after just a single discharge at its 32.3A rating and the voltage at that discharge current level is very low. The Grown cell only delivers 181mAh down to 3.2V at its rated 32.3A.
Having said this, it is still one of the better performing 26650's as it seems to use the same cell as the Basen and Brillipower 4500mAh cells. The 26650 ratings/performance table has been updated to include the Grown cell.
This testing has been part of a weeks-long series of events that have also involved Hohm Tech. I want to say that Hohm Tech strongly believes that their testing methods and ratings are valid and accurate and they stand firmly by them. They insist that the HohmGrown cell is an improvement over the cell that is used by Basen and Brillipower. I am unable to explain why I do not see that difference in my testing.
Continuous-Current Test Results (with comparison to Basen/Brillipower at 15A)
Pulsed-Current Test Results
Comments
List of Battery Tests | E-Cigarette Forum
18350/18500 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
While the test results are hard data, the conclusions and recommendations I make based on these tests are only my personal opinion based on my criteria for setting a rating. Carefully research any cell 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.
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 only a 23A cell that I am rating at 4300mAh. It is identical in appearance and performance to the Basen and Brillipower 4500mAh cells. It is damaged after just a single discharge at its 32.3A rating and the voltage at that discharge current level is very low. The Grown cell only delivers 181mAh down to 3.2V at its rated 32.3A.
Having said this, it is still one of the better performing 26650's as it seems to use the same cell as the Basen and Brillipower 4500mAh cells. The 26650 ratings/performance table has been updated to include the Grown cell.
This testing has been part of a weeks-long series of events that have also involved Hohm Tech. I want to say that Hohm Tech strongly believes that their testing methods and ratings are valid and accurate and they stand firmly by them. They insist that the HohmGrown cell is an improvement over the cell that is used by Basen and Brillipower. I am unable to explain why I do not see that difference in my testing.
Continuous-Current Test Results (with comparison to Basen/Brillipower at 15A)
Pulsed-Current Test Results
Comments
- At 0.5A continuous it reached 4299mAh. I am rating this cell at 4300mAh.
- At 10A continuous the temperature rose to 48°C. This is significantly below the average temperature of a cell running at its continuous discharge rating (CDR).
- At 15A continuous the temperature rose to 63°C. This is below the average temperature of a cell running at its continuous discharge rating (CDR). Discharges of the Basen and Brillipower 4500mAh cells were also included for comparison to the HohmGrown cell.
- At 20A continuous the temperature rose to 74°C. This is just a bit below the average temperature of a cell running at its CDR and is an indication that we are near the cell's true rating.
- At 25A continuous the temperature rose to 87°C. This is above the average temperature of a cell running at its CDR and is an indication that we are over the cell's true rating.
- At 30A continuous the temperature rose to 96°C. This is an incredibly high temperature and a clear indication that we are above the cell's true rating. The voltage is sagging very badly, another indication thst we are above its rating.
- At 32.3A continuous, the cell's rating, the temperature rose to 98°C and the voltage is sagging very badly. Additional discharges show damage being done to the cell every time it is discharged at this level. The cell only delivered 181mAh at 32.3A down to 3.2V. It is clearly not a 32.3A cell.
- I am setting a CDR of 23A for this cell. Operating at that level would bring the temperature near to 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 decent cycle life from this cell at 23A 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
18350/18500 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