logoalt Hacker News

jsistoyesterday at 4:29 PM2 repliesview on HN

How is a 10000mAh pouch more energy dense than an 18650?


Replies

bri3dyesterday at 4:37 PM

By not having void air space in between cylindrical cells like you'd get with two 18650s? It's mostly just a matter of packaging.

Pouches can be made to have better volumetric density than cylindrical cells quite easily, which is why laptops aren't generally full of cylinder cells anymore; the challenge is just providing them enough external support/compression and swelling allowance, which can be accomplished through chassis design.

iamnothereyesterday at 4:37 PM

Pouch cells are lighter per mAh due to the lack of metal casing. But more than the casing, the form factor is better for a pocketable device. The cylindrical form factor sticks out, usually wastes some space, and can’t be neatly tucked behind a board or display.