Can Li-Ion BMSs be used with LiPo batteries?

Question

I'm building a robot that's running on a 12S, 10400 MAh LiPo. Because of obvious reasons, the system requires a protection circuit. My question is, can I purchase this 13S (which I suppose works with lower S values too) 100A Li-lon BMS from Daly and use it as protection for my circuit? It is made for Li-Ion... So will it work?

All I need is to have an adjustable cut-off voltage, e.g. the battery goes below 3.6 or 3.7V/cell, it disconnects it from the system. The expected current draw is 70A (yes, the robot will operate for just a couple of minutes)

Answer 1

Can Li-Ion BMSs be used with LiPo batteries?

What you call a "LiPo" cell IS a Li-ion cell. It happens to be in a pouch, but it is still a Li-ion cell.

Yes, that BMS will work, because the BMS doesn't know or care whether the Li-ion cells are housed in a cylinder, a box, or a pouch.

Unfortunately, there is this myth out there that somehow pouch cells are a different chemistry than other Li-ion cells. Only the enclosure is different. Inside, they all the same technology: intercalation of Lithium ions through a liquid electrolyte. Contrary to popular belief, pouch cells do not use a polymer electrolyte.

A Li-ion BMS can be used with any Li-ion cells, whether cylindrical (e.g., 18650), prismatic, or pouch (which you call "LiPo"). As long as it for the correct voltage (usually 3.6~3.7 V nominal).

{Source: me}

There are 3 groups of chemistries:

• LTO: 2.5 V
• LFP (LiFePO4): 3.25 V nominal
• All others (LCO, NMC, NCA, LMO): 3.6 or 3.7 V nominal

A BMS for one group will work with any cell in that group.