Re: (ET) How do your batteries die?

[SteveS <stevesgroups verizon net>]

I've given my T105s about the same care (minimal but decent) and with 
some abuse (too much snowblowing a few times), and they are still going 
after 8 years or more. They are close to being done for, but they all 
have succumbed pretty much in concert. One did spring a leak and was 
replaced last year. So I'm guessing it's the brand or batch of batteries 
(assuming you aren't running the tractor for hours every day). From what 
I hear, EVs get several years from a pack that is cycled about every 
day, so an ET that is run once a week or so ought to get 8-10 years.

- SteveS

Darryl McMahon wrote:
> I am speaking only from my own experience.  I have heard from others 
> that they have had good experience with USB.  I have not.  I do not 
> recommend them to others.  According to the charging recommendations 
> from USB, you need a higher charging voltage (2.583 Volts per Cell) 
> than is recommended by other manufacturers.  In my experience with 
> floodies, they should be gassing audibly before reaching 2.5 volts per 
> cell.  3rd party chargers do not supply the required voltage, as this 
> would be in the over-charging range for any other battery manufacturer.
>
> Shortest-lived batteries I have ever had in an EV - about 15 months 
> before I saw my first 4-volter, and another in the 16-module pack 
> expired in the same manner each week or two thereafter until I gave 
> up.  Based on SG readings, in each case, the centre cell failed, 
> apparently shorted.  My dealings with USB were curt and disappointing.
>
> My E12 doesn't see a lot of use most of the year.  Use depends on 
> construction projects, gardening and snow removal needs.  My batteries 
> get minimal care (a good charger, checking water levels 2-3 times a 
> year, only distilled water, and staying alert to problems to try to 
> catch them early).  However, based on the Trojans I had in my last 
> pack, and the Exides I have now, I fully expect 10 years of use from a 
> pack in this tractor.
>
> Darryl
>
>
>
> tbamc wrote:
> > I bought a complete set of U.S. Battery batteries about 5 years ago.  
> > Only 1 of those 6 is still alive.  After talking to the  U.S. B. 
> > people, and this list, I think I should have been charging them 
> > harder/longer, but I'm not sure that relates to my question:
> >
> > Every one of the dead batteries read about 4v when it expired, and 
> > couldn't be charged to much over 4v.  This implies to me that a cell 
> > shorted.  I would have expected the more likely scenario would be for 
> > each battery to just get weaker, i.e. still charge to above 6v but 
> > not hold a charge for as long.
> >
> > Am I thinking about this correctly and is my experience typical, or not?
> >
> > Thanks.
> >
> > Thon
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > Elec-trak mailing list
> > Elec-trak cosmos phy tufts edu
> > https://cosmos.phy.tufts.edu/mailman/listinfo/elec-trak
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>
> No virus found in this incoming message.
> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com 
> Version: 9.0.709 / Virus Database: 270.14.96/2548 - Release Date: 12/06/09 02:30:00
>
>