If they're fully discharging in 8 minutes in the helicopter, they're discharging at 7.5C. Li-Po are generally rated at a minimum of 10C, and high-discharge versions can run 20-25C. We're operating in the same regime, generally (a straightup 801 at normal voltage on a 200mAh flatpack runs about 10C).
So, balance draw current against rating, and keep it under 10C, and it's no more dangerous than standard cells in theory. In practice, a dead short on a Li-Po cell will go straight to flameout if the circuit doesn't melt, with no warning hiss.
When I experiment with Li-Po's, I include car fuses that cut the circuit if discharge goes above 15-20 times the rating, and I always "smoke test" by remote. And I don't use metal casings.
--Dave
So, balance draw current against rating, and keep it under 10C, and it's no more dangerous than standard cells in theory. In practice, a dead short on a Li-Po cell will go straight to flameout if the circuit doesn't melt, with no warning hiss.
When I experiment with Li-Po's, I include car fuses that cut the circuit if discharge goes above 15-20 times the rating, and I always "smoke test" by remote. And I don't use metal casings.
--Dave
