Brand new batteries reaching capacity

[john500y2k]

So I've had my evic vtc mini for about a month and have been using LG HE4's since then however the other day I got some LG HG2's.

Question I've got regarding them is that are you meant to go through a few charge/discharge cycles before they reach their optimum capacity?

As at the moment I feel that they are running for much shorter periods of time compared to the HE4's despite their higher capacity and when the battery gets low I get weak battery warning with minimal vapour production. Whereas the HE4's I could get to the same battery level without the warning coming up.

Many thanks for any guidance in advance

 

[nyiddle]

In regards to the first question, no, as far as I'm aware there is no "break-in" period for batteries. It's only downhill after that very first charge to max.

Secondly, where did you purchase the batteries? Reputable battery vendors is *very* important, as there are re-wraps floating around pretty often.

And third, what kinda power settings are you running your VTC Mini on? What resistance is the atomizer?

 

[john500y2k]

I purchased them from a b&m shop that I do trust as I'm already weary about dodgy re-wraps.

From this shop so far I have obtained all genuine products for stuff that can be checked through serial numbers. Such as Kanger, nitecore and also joyetech products that I have bought and verified with each manufacturer.

Power setting & coil were the same running both battery versions.

- SS316 TC mode
- 45W limit set
- 0.54 ohm SS coil

 

[Mooch]

No break-in needed for Samsung/Sony/LG/Panasonic batteries.

I can't explain why the HG2's aren't lasting longer but, IIRC, they do run at a lower voltage than HE4's and that could trigger the warning earlier.

 

[Kemosabe]

from what ive heard, read, and experienced, there is indeed a break-in period with li-ion cells.

 

[jpasint]

from what ive heard, read, and experienced, there is indeed a break-in period with li-ion cells.

That is not what I've read but a required break-in period has been my experience with many li-??? rechargeable batteries.

 

[sig-cmt]

The classic break-in period for lithium batteries is ten charge/discharge cycles. Normal use and recharging for ten cycles will generally suffice. Some bench the break-in on an RC charger with a minimum discharge voltage of 3.0-3.2V for Li-ions. Either way, charging at 1C maximum (~3A for the HG2, though I would personally go no higher than 2A) for the first ten cycles is recommended for maximum service life.

 

[Mooch]

Ten cycles?

I've tested over 250 batteries used by vapers (over 100 different ones). Even the worst Chinese-manufacture batteries I've seen only required three cycles max to reach their max capabilities. Usually only one or two. And Samsung/Sony/LG/Panasonic/Sanyo's didn't need any break-in.

Perhaps the LiPo's used in the RC community are sold with only part of the initial formation process done, requiring a longer break in period? Which 18350/18650/26650 batteries have you seen require that many break in cycles?

 

[sig-cmt]

The classic break-in period for lithium batteries is ten charge/discharge cycles. Normal use and recharging for ten cycles will generally suffice. Some bench the break-in on an RC charger with a minimum discharge voltage of 3.0-3.2V for Li-ions.

I read it as more along the lines of if ten charge/discharge cycles have been acheived and coupled with your empirical evidence of Samsung/Sony/LG/Panasonic/Sanyo not needing a break-in for full rated capacity, then the issue is not likely attributed to a break-in requirement. FYI, all of my Samsung/Sony/LG/Panasonic/Sanyo cells thus far have shown close to the same amount of mAh removed vs. mAh added under initial charge/discharge cycles (attempting to obtain a benchmark when new and unused).

Perhaps the LiPo's used in the RC community are sold with only part of the initial formation process done, requiring a longer break in period?

That is the classic argument for proponents of a break-in period. That certain LiPos are delivered in a fashion such that their chemistry remains more stable, hence providing them with a longer shelf life.

 

[Mooch]

I read it as more along the lines of if ten charge/discharge cycles have been acheived and coupled with your empirical evidence of Samsung/Sony/LG/Panasonic/Sanyo not needing a break-in for full rated capacity, then the issue is not likely attributed to a break-in requirement.

Ok, works for me.

 

[sig-cmt]

Along the same lines, what about the prospect of authorized assemblers requesting immobilized (partial formation process/chemical lock) 18650 cells and releasing them when their needs changed for resale on the secondary market?

 

[Mooch]

I don't know enough about that to say.
IMO, if cell costs are lower for partial formation then anything is possible with these companies though.