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Unread 01-04-2003, 00:31
Unsung FIRST Hero
Al Skierkiewicz Al Skierkiewicz is offline
Broadcast Eng/Chief Robot Inspector
AKA: Big Al WFFA 2005
FRC #0111 (WildStang)
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Rookie Year: 1996
Location: Wheeling, IL
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The calculations you performed will result in some discrepancy. Amp hour rating is usually specified at a fixed load current with a specified time to fall to a certain terminal voltage. (for 12 volt batteries it is usually 8 volts) In most cases this can be assumed to be 1/10 of the rated amp hour current. i.e. a 4 amp/hour battery would last 10 hours at 0.4 amp load current. Draw significantly more than that and the amp hour rating will degrade. I am guessing that at 16 amps you might only get 5 minutes, tops to fall to 8 volts. You didn't say if there were electronics involved but with just the motor connected the terminal voltage will continue to fall at a predictable rate until the motor slows to a halt.
The initial current of 1 amp is what the battery would be able to deliver after a full charge at 12 volts. (note it is twice the current for the amp hour rating calculated above. At 16 amps the voltage would be less. This voltage could be calculated if the internal resistance of the battery was known.) Cyclic use implies that the load is not constant and that some recharging takes place between loads. The type of battery discussed here can be found in emergency lighting where it can be expected to deliver light for a short period of time (loss of electric power) and then return to charge.
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Good Luck All. Learn something new, everyday!
Al
WB9UVJ
www.wildstang.org
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Storming the Tower since 1996.

Last edited by Al Skierkiewicz : 01-04-2003 at 00:41.