1. The advantages of Lithium polymer batteries

Lithium polymer battery have a higher energy density than most other types of rechargeable. This means that for their size or weight they can store more energy than other rechargeable batteries. They also operate at higher voltages than other rechargeable, typically about 3.7 volts for lithium-ion vs. 1.2 volts for NiMH or NiCd. This means a single cell can often be used rather than multiple NiMH or NiCd cells. Lithium polymer batteries also have a lower self discharge rate than other types of rechargeable batteries. This means that once they are charged they will retain their charge for a longer time than other types of rechargeable batteries. NiMH and NiCd batteries can lose anywhere from 1-5% of their charge per day, (depending on the storage temperature) even if they are not installed in a device. Lithium-ion batteries will retain most of their charge even after months of storage.

2. Can I use Lithium polymer batteries with others together?

If different types of batteries are used together, or new batteries are used with old ones, the difference in characteristics of voltage, capacity, etc., may cause over-discharge of the battery which is exhausted first, leading to swelling, bursting or fire.

3. Difference from an Alkaline battery?

Battery chemistry and construction differ in the two systems. Since lithium is a very active material, it provides a great deal of power relative to the amount of material used in a battery. The lithium discharge curve is longer and flatter than alkaline, providing a consistently higher voltage throughout the life of the battery.

4. My lithium polymer pack won't charge, is it defective?

It may be defective. Many chargers will not charge a pack that is below 3 volts per cell, based on the voltage you set for the battery. Check the voltage and make sure it is above the 3 volt per cell threshold

5. Lipoly pack is puffed, what caused this and can it be fixed?

Several things can cause a lipoly cell or pack to puff or swell: 
(1) Over-charging, amperage set too high.
(2) Over-voltage on the charger, cell count not set correctly.
(3) Pack was out of balance before use (one or two cells puff rather than the whole pack). 
(4) Over-use, battery was put under a load that was higher than it�s recommended maximum discharge rate.
(5) Over-discharging, below 3 volts per cell.