White Paper Discuss: Robot Battery and Electrical System Guide

[eugenebrooks]

Originally Posted by Al Skierkiewicz

Michael,
I haven't looked at that paper in some time so I should review it. If you have any questions or need further assistance, just PM me and I will give you my email address. You reminded me that I need to upload my presentation from the Championships as well.

Al, just some comments if you revise the article.

Gel batteries, and in particular the ones made by EXIDE, are specified to be used/shared in any position up to 180 degrees inclination. If a normal to the surface of the top of the battery points slightly downward, ie worse than horizontal, it is a bad position that might allow something more than gas (condensate) to escape the valves. Of course, one would not expect teams to be standing batteries on the power wiring...

Star washers between the lugs and the battery posts, as opposed to brushed flat surfaces, may increase resistance, but it is important to use adequate and properly torqued fasteners to avoid connections that move, and to check them periodically as things happen that losen them, star washers or not.

As noted elsewhere in threads on CD, you should use anserson connectors on your charger. In addition to the potential safety hazard, the damage done to the surface of the connector can lead to higher resistance for the high currents drawn by the robot.

A great article for teams to use in understanding batteries and their high current wiring...

Eugene