Battery Rules

[ICE_Bear]

Where are the battery rules in the Game Manual? I looked through the manual to try to find them, but I didn't find anything.

[EricH]

R31 has them.

[ICE_Bear]

From what I read, there's only one rule for how we mount the battery... Is that correct? Or is there a section or rule other than R33 about the mounting?

[EricH]

Originally Posted by ICE_Bear

From what I read, there's only one rule for how we mount the battery... Is that correct? Or is there a section or rule other than R33 about the mounting?

That is correct.

I'll go a little more in-depth: Orientation (for use) doesn't really matter, though on the side or upright tends to be best. (For charging, upright is important.)

But what you're really after is making sure the battery doesn't move within the robot. Just using velcro might not do the trick; I know for a fact that duct tape is not going to be all that helpful. Many teams will build a battery box into their robot to hold it in one position, and then use velcro or a buckled strap to secure it down.

[ICE_Bear]

We have a mounting kit from Andymark that sits on it's side, would we be able to use that in a vertical position?

[ICE_Bear]

http://www.andymark.com/product-p/am-2939.htm

[EricH]

I don't see why you wouldn't be able to. How you do that, though, is up to you.

[ICE_Bear]

Thank you

[bdaroz]

Originally Posted by ICE_Bear

We have a mounting kit from Andymark that sits on it's side, would we be able to use that in a vertical position?

We are doing exactly that this year - in fact the kit fits nicely in a spare piece of KoP Chassis C-Channel turned face down.

Disclaimer: Rookie Team - Rookie Mentor -- Assume I have no idea what I'm talking about.

[cbale2000]

Originally Posted by EricH

That is correct.

I'll go a little more in-depth: Orientation (for use) doesn't really matter, though on the side or upright tends to be best.
(For charging, upright is important.)

Could you elaborate on this? Our current battery charger design has the batteries laying down. What is the downside of doing this? Do we have to completely redesign and rebuild our battery cart?

[nighterfighter]

Originally Posted by cbale2000

Could you elaborate on this? Our current battery charger design has the batteries laying down. What is the downside of doing this? Do we have to completely redesign and rebuild our battery cart?

If the batteries need to vent when charging, they are designed to do so while sitting vertically.

[cbale2000]

Originally Posted by nighterfighter

If the batteries need to vent when charging, they are designed to do so while sitting vertically.

So, if one were to have doors on their battery cart, but also have the cart ventilated (with fans or otherwise) to prevent thermal runaway, it should be ok?

[MrRoboSteve]

These straps are good for batteries.

I foresee more e-stops this year than last.

[FrankJ]

Originally Posted by cbale2000

Could you elaborate on this? Our current battery charger design has the batteries laying down. What is the downside of doing this? Do we have to completely redesign and rebuild our battery cart?

My preference is to charge upright. Truth is it really doesn't matter 99.9% of the time. My UPS has one of its batteries permanently upside down. The battery manufactures generally do not recommend this. Flat is OK. AGM & glass mat batteries have very little free liquid in them. Using a smart charger & charging at recommended charge rates is more important then battery orientation.

[rich2202]

We go through so many batteries that we would never think to charge the battery while on the robot. So orientation is not an issue for us.

Regarding the battery mounting rule:

R33 The ROBOT battery must be secured such that it will not dislodge should the ROBOT be turned over or placed in any arbitrary orientation.

"arbitrary orientation" includes turning the robot upside down. Basically, once secured, there is no way to remove the battery. All 6 sides of the battery must be restrained.

Some people use "compression" to hold the battery (squeeze the sides of the battery). I personally don't like it. I would much rather see a strap across the top.