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Post by bigt1677 on Dec 12, 2009 9:07:29 GMT
Has anyone any opinions of the best battery types to use for BE locos i.e. traction vs standard lead acid. I figure the power draw on my loco to be about max 12 amps at 24v, so figured a couple of 75 ah batteries would be quite adequate. What are the experiences out there on battery types?
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Deeja
Seasoned Member
Posts: 131
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Post by Deeja on Dec 12, 2009 10:42:22 GMT
Irrespective of the capacity or current draw, get some batteries that are rated for "Deep discharge", they will give the best service in our application. Traction batteries, or semi traction like golf cart batteries etc, are also designed for our application and similar current loads and are the type to use. They may cost a bit more in the first place, but the service life is much longer. Ordinary car batteries are designed for high vibration with very high intermittent starting currents and then 'float' charging the rest of the time, and will fail before they really should. They of course will still work and are very useful for the trials phase, but go for the deep discharge rated ones. There is a bit more about batteries in www.smex.net.au in the article in the reference section. deeja |
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Post by Deleted on Dec 12, 2009 11:11:22 GMT
I 'discovered' AGM (absorbed glass mat) batteries a few years ago for use as service batteries on my boat, and they are the business! Perfect for deep discharge and high initial loads, they can be put in any position or orientation without leaking, they are not as fragile on charge as GEL batteries, and they retain their voltage over extended periods. Mind you, you get what you pay for.....
JB
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steam4ian
Elder Statesman
One good turn deserves another
Posts: 2,069
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Post by steam4ian on Dec 12, 2009 12:55:40 GMT
G'day Big1677
I would advocate having a minimum amphour size of 10 times your average current load; for you this means a 120AH minimum.
Remember that you may draw considerably more current when starting and accelearating.
I'm with JB on the AGM batteries. I looked into batteries recently for a hybrid diesel/battery electric propulsion system for a river ferry; AGM came up well.
Batteries for marine duty should be available without having to go to specialist battery suppliers, just go to a boat yard.
Regards
Ian
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Post by Deleted on Dec 12, 2009 13:38:56 GMT
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Post by peterseager on Dec 12, 2009 15:41:59 GMT
I am using a pair of MK 8AU1 batteries in series (ie 24V) on a 5"G Hymek with Qty 4, 12V 150 W motors.They are AGM type rated at 32.5 Ampere Hour at 20 hour rate.
The loco has run 8 miles at a town carnival on an up & down track and still had power left. A full throttle start shows 50 A, dropping back to about 10 amps running. Normal starts peak on the ampmeter at 20 A.
I bought these batteries off the Internet through a mobility shop but they were delivered straight from MK's UK depot. Be careful though, some shops seem to mix up AGM and Gel.
Peter
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Post by bigt1677 on Dec 13, 2009 3:04:43 GMT
Great stuff! thanks everyone, some useful stuff there indeed. Like the look of the gel batteries simply loco, I take it you recommend these for loco use. What does strike me as odd about them is that they are quite small yet very heavy for the size, ideal as more weight = more traction. Peter, what did the AGM batteries cost off the top of yr head, can you remember??
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Post by drjohn on Dec 13, 2009 4:38:28 GMT
So after all the boiler saga, we now have to expect a battery powered Brit??   DJ |
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Post by Deleted on Dec 13, 2009 9:16:53 GMT
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Post by drjohn on Dec 13, 2009 10:43:11 GMT
Any more comments like that and I'll have to put you on a charge! At this time of life the best charge I can accept is 2 hamperes - as long as they contain crabs, lobsters and beer.  DJ |
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Post by peterseager on Dec 13, 2009 16:42:31 GMT
Seem to remember about £130 for the pair including P&P and VAT. That was early 2008 when lead prices were high. Looking around they are much the same price now.
The loco originally had Gel batteries. They lasted 6 years.
Peter
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Post by bigt1677 on Dec 13, 2009 21:07:39 GMT
thanks chaps, most useful
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isc
Statesman
Posts: 708
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Post by isc on Dec 18, 2009 12:47:57 GMT
Not sure what their size is,but one chap with a wind turbine got some second hand batteries from a firm that services electric fork lift trucks,they change the batteries long before they give up.With his power set up he has had them for quite a number of years,over 20 I think he said.Just a thought.A local who is into vintage trucks,cars and tractors has been using Ni cad batteries in his vehicles,these are the size of large 12V lead acid and will start the engine just as well as a normal battery.they are batteries taken out of service from a large security system in a large hospital,they change them yearly.isc by the way they are bright yellow!
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smallbrother
Elder Statesman
Errors aplenty, progress slow, but progress nonetheless!
Posts: 2,269
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Post by smallbrother on Apr 13, 2010 10:42:43 GMT
With a bit of luck Maxitrak will have their new small battery elec locos delivered soon. I have one on order for the garden railway and was wondering about sourcing a suitable battery.
Maxitrak advise me either 037 or 038 types. I have looked these up and all I can find is car batteries. I have read that leisure batteries perform better but can't find any at the compact size of the 037/038.
Anyone know any better?
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Post by peterseager on Apr 13, 2010 16:31:00 GMT
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smallbrother
Elder Statesman
Errors aplenty, progress slow, but progress nonetheless!
Posts: 2,269
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Post by smallbrother on Apr 13, 2010 21:29:48 GMT
Thanks Peter, I'll make enquiries with them.
pete.
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