With the news that my post-crowdfunding Reform will soon be on its way (yay!), I thought it would be a good time to ask a question that has been bugging me for a bit.
The operator handbook reads:
You may be tempted to try cells of other chemistries like Li-Ion or NiMH, but never do this, as these are incompatible.
Only use LiFePO4 cells with MNT Reform!
Why is this so? Could the Reform’s design be modified to incorporate battery cells with higher energy density?
I tried searching (and asking) around to understand why a charging circuit would be incompatible with certain chemistries, but didn’t find an answer. I’m a novice to electronics, so I’d be happy to be pointed to a general reference to understand the principles behind this warning.