What is Li-Po Battery C-rate?
Main Contents
LiPo battery C rating refers to the maximum discharge rate of a battery in relation to its capacity. It is expressed as a multiple of the battery’s capacity, such as 20C or 30C. For example, a 1000mAh battery with a 20C rating can discharge at a maximum rate of 20 times its capacity, or 20,000mA or 20A.
The C rating is important for determining the maximum current that can be drawn from the battery without damaging it. A higher C rating indicates that the battery can provide more current, which is important for high-performance applications such as racing drones or high-speed RC cars. However, a higher C rating also means that the battery will discharge faster, which can lead to shorter flight times or run times.
Choose a right LiPo battery with an appropriate C rating for your application to ensure optimal performance and longevity of the battery. Using a battery with a lower C rating than required can result in voltage drops and reduced performance, while using a battery with a higher C rating than necessary can be unnecessary and more expensive.
Li-Po Battery Calculator
Maximum Discharge Current = Capacity (in Ah) x C Rating
For example, if you have a LiPo battery with a capacity of 2200mAh and a C rating of 30C, the maximum discharge current would be:
Maximum Discharge Current = 2200mAh / 1000 x 30 = 66A
This means that the battery can safely discharge at a maximum current of 66A without damaging the cells. Thus if you know the max. discharge current and capacity of a lipo battery, you can work out its C-rate. Ordinary, lipo battery max diischarge rate is markekd by battery manufacturers.
The Relationship beteen C-rate and Discharge Rate
As we have mentioned befor, C rating is a measure of the maximum discharge rate of a battery. It tells us how much current a battery can safely discharge without damaging itself. The discharge rate of a battery is the rate at which it releases energy. It is measured in amperes (A) or milliamperes (mA) and is usually expressed as a multiple of the battery’s capacity (C).
For example, a 1000mAh battery with a C rating of 1C can discharge at a rate of 1000mA (1A) without damaging itself. If the same battery had a C rating of 2C, it could discharge at a rate of 2000mA (2A) without damage.
The relationship between C rating and discharge rate is therefore direct and proportional. A higher C rating means a higher discharge rate, which translates to higher power output and faster discharge times. However, it’s important to note that a high discharge rate can also lead to a shorter battery lifespan and lower overall capacity.
Ultimately, the C rating of a battery is an important consideration when choosing a battery for high-performance applications that require high discharge rates. It’s also important to consider the overall capacity and lifespan of the battery, as well as any specific safety requirements for the application.
For instance,
C1 – This rating indicates that the battery can discharge at a rate equivalent to its capacity, so a 1000mAh battery with a C1 rating can discharge at a rate of 1000mA (1A).
C5 – A battery with a C5 rating can discharge at a rate five times its capacity, so a 1000mAh battery with a C5 rating can discharge at a rate of 5000mA (5A).
C10 – A battery with a C10 rating can discharge at a rate ten times its capacity, so a 1000mAh battery with a C10 rating can discharge at a rate of 10,000mA (10A).
C20 – A battery with a C20 rating can discharge at a rate twenty times its capacity, so a 1000mAh battery with a C20 rating can discharge at a rate of 20,000mA (20A).
C50 – A battery with a C50 rating can discharge at a rate fifty times its capacity, so a 1000mAh battery with a C50 rating can discharge at a rate of 50,000mA (50A).
Note: C20, C50 and even C10 we have mentioned above are rarely used in our daily life. Generally speaking, 0.5C, 1C, 2C and 5C charging rate are common. It is worth noting that different polymer lithium batteries have different discharge magnification, and the specific magnification and use conditions need to be determined according to the design and application requirements of the battery.At the same time, high magnification discharge will also have an impact on battery life and safety, so it is necessary to pay attention to the battery’s operating conditions and charge and discharge management when using it.
Relationship between C-rating and Charge Rate
C rating and charge rate are closely related because the C rating of a battery determines the maximum charge rate that it can safely handle. The C rating of a battery is a measure of its discharge rate, which is the rate at which it can deliver power to a load. The charge rate of a battery, on the other hand, is the rate at which it can be charged without damaging the battery or reducing its capacity.
The charge rate of a battery is typically expressed as a multiple of its C rating. For example, if a battery has a C rating of 1C, it can be charged at a maximum rate of 1 times its capacity. If it has a C rating of 2C, it can be charged at a maximum rate of 2 times its capacity. The higher the C rating of a battery, the higher its charge rate can be.
However, it is important to note that charging a battery at a rate higher than its recommended charge rate can cause damage to the battery, reduce its capacity, and shorten its lifespan. Therefore, it is important to always follow the manufacturer’s recommended charge rate for a battery to ensure its longevity and safety.
What will happen if you choose a wrong c-rate lipo battery?
Reduced performance, overheating, battery damage and even device damage will occur if you choose a wrong C-rate lipo battery. Here are the detailed reasons about those phenomenas.
If you choose a battery with a lower C-rate than required, it may not be able to deliver enough power to meet the demands of the device, causing it to perform poorly.
On the other hand,
If you choose a battery with a higher C-rate than required, it may cause the battery to overheat, which can lead to a reduced lifespan or even damage to the battery. Additionally, it may cause the device to malfunction or even become dangerous if the battery is not designed to handle such high power output.
Therefore, it is important to choose a LiPo battery with the correct C-rate for your device to ensure optimal performance and safety.
