Samsung capacity loss

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Aug 10, 2017
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I recently wrapped up testing of my second or third batch (all different sources) of Samsung ICR18650-28A and 30B - the light blue cells. The vast majority have come up in the 1600 to 1800mah range, with only a few from 2000 to 2400mah. I got a much wider spread when I did the 26's;from about 900 to over 2500mah. Has anyone else noticed this or have I just been unlucky?
 
The large variance of capacity is dependant on where your cells come, as they differ on how they were used

As you said, you've had them from different sources, so it's perfectly.normal to have huge variances like these. And besides, the reason people throw these out is because one of the cells or the BMS is down, or maybe all of the cells have gone down so much in capacity that the owners threw the pack out.

That's about it. To minimize variance in the cells, I get them from 3 similar enough sources, so I get 1901mAh to 2800mAh, so a much lower variance then you.... but I do get some crap cells at times,. but these are used for different purposes.
 
I have tested thousands of Samsung 26/28 cells and do not experience this at all. Mine are NOS (New Old Stock) that sat for probably 5+ years. The only issue I've had is maybe a small handful of 26's that get hot from used and abused packs, but we're talking like 5 out of 500.

If you're seeing a lot of 1600-1800s out of 26/28's, I think you have a batch of heavily abused batteries.
 
Actually the ICR18650-30B are cells that take advantage of higher top voltage of 4.35v as opposed to 4.22v. and same with low discharge voltage of 2.75v
The full capacity is only obtained when going all the way from 4.35v to 2.75v. I have about 400 of these type of cells. Not sure how to take advantage of them in this way. Perhaps use them in a 13s instead of 14s configuration but all cells would have to be of the same type. Or use them in a 6s for a 24v UPS/inverter...
Same goes for Pink LGABD11865 cells. 3000 mAh cells and that capacity can only be obtained out of full range 4.35 to 2.75.
I won't be mixing these with my normal cells that go up to 4.22v.
 
I like the 6s configuration for a dedicated unit. You could also use these in a pack for in your car, too. Replace that old junky lead acid battery and put something with a lil more resiliency. ;)
Or, as a modular pack for use out camping or something.
 
i've tested a bunch of those high voltage cells using the standard 4.2 down to 3.0 test. the healthier ones seem to come up around 2400 to 2500mah, so i have no problem using them in my powerwall. i figure the lower voltage means less stress on the cells and maybe a longer cycle life; besides, i run my system from 3.3 to 4.1 volts per cell, so i already lose another 25%
 
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