Battery cozy?

[terryp]

A question for the battery gurus here -

My understanding is that the batteries like to be cool when charging, and warm when riding. Range and performance improves as the batteries warm up due to the internal resistance decreasing.

To keep cold air from flowing across the bottom of the battery packs on a cold day, would it be worthwhile to put a thin layer of insulation under them? I'm considering using some of the spacers I made to mount an aluminum plate 1/2" below the batteries, with a piece of foam insulation in-between. It seems like that in itself would help, but for even better range, the Seg could be parked over a furnace register for a little while before leaving, then the plate and insulation attached, which should hold the warmth in. I'm sure I can afford to give up 1/2" clearance, and the plate would double as a skid guard anyway.

This would be very easy to do. Does anyone think it's worth a try? I'm not talking about getting the batteries hot, just keeping them warm. Since I consistently get to work with 10-20% on cold days, I should be able to gauge the improvement, if any.

Practicing safe Segs in Seattle

[Zorba9]

Terry! May work better than you think. Just the fact that you have the insulation barrier retaining room temperature for a little while longer before the cold temperatures set in ought to give your batteries a little extra life - which will translate into further glides. Hopefully (since you're not off-road Segging) you wouldn't need the skidplate aspect of such a design. I could probably fold my sheetmetal skidplate/trailerhitchs to incorporate 1/2" of insulation, but normaly I need all the clearance I can get off-roading.

KOG

Zorba9.....

[Florida Ever-Glides]

If anyone could come up with a 'space blanket' type cover to insulate the batteries from the cold and be able to easily remove it as the day warms up, this would be a great. And, if it could roll up and fit in the 12.0 bag that would be an extra bonus.

Tom Jacobson

[gotseg]

check the sales forum, I posted my creation there :) I could look back into a gel substance which can be microwaved or frozen for charging/gliding.

gotseg?

[terryp]

quote:Originally posted by gotseg

check the sales forum, I posted my creation there :) I could look back into a gel substance which can be microwaved or frozen for charging/gliding.

gotseg?

I just checked it out. Nicely done! Have you used it to keep the batteries warm in cold weather, or just the opposite? Any data?

Practicing safe Segs in Seattle

[GadgetmanKen]

Hey Gotseg,
Have you tried going to the dollar store and getting some of those disposable flat pocket warmer packets and placing several inside your Seg blanket yet? I don't think they get that hot, cause you put them in your pocket, and they supposedly stay warm for a while. Some types are reusable, too, I think.

Don't know how good it would work, but it may be worthwhile to try.

"Wouldn't it be cool, if?...is like Folgers in my cup"

[gotseg]

The only real way I found was to go with gel. It can be "frozen" and microwaved. Everthing else either is made to stay only warm, or only cold. I just never got all that much of a responce on the idea and its sorta been collecting dust for a bit :-/

gotseg?

[GadgetmanKen]

quote:I just never got all that much of a responce on the idea and its sorta been collecting dust for a bit :-/


I HATE that when that happens. :)

Boy if you only knew how many things I got on back burner.

Better get with it or those ideas collecting dust is that they will become cob webs.

"Wouldn't it be cool, if?...is like Folgers in my cup"