Re: CANBUS (and a charger wish list)

[Bob Rice <"bobrice@snet.net"@snet.net>]

David Roden (Akron, Ohio, USA) wrote:
> 
> 
> > While we're at it, perhaps there's a market for a good smart charger as
> > well?
> >
> 
> The conversion sector really needs a flexible smart charger that can be
> programmed by the end user.  The ideal charger would be
> 
>    fully isolated
>    light weight
>    dual voltage (115/230 volt)
>    independently adjustable input current limit at each voltage
>    PF correction standard or optional
>    stupidity compensation (reversed output leads, etc.)
>    programmable temp compensation (see below)

    WOOOH!! Thats enuf for most of us, and still be cheaper than a set
of batteries? Looking for basics, all this following stuff appeals to
rekatively few. "Just plug it in, Honey, whenyu get home." Bunch could
care less<G>!

>    at least 4 programmable charge stages, preferably more
>    able to move forward or backward through stages
>    for charge control, monitors:
>       absolute battery temperature (at least 2 probes)
>       battery temperature change overall and in current stage
>       absolute battery voltage and current
>       voltage and current change in current stage
>       time in current stage
>       total charge time
>       amp-hours charged overall
>       amp-hours charged in current stage
>       amp-hours CONSUMED since last charge <= NOTE
>    and a way to perform math and comparisons on the above parameters:
>       built in add, subtract, multiply, divide operators
>       several non-volatile user-accessible memory storage locations
>       several volatile run-time user-accessible memory storage locations
>    programming software and cables included
> 
> Some of these features could be modular (optional at extra cost) for
> those who needed them.  Should be capable of charging packs from 36 to
> 360 volts (might require multiple models) and all chemistries, including
> lead, nicad, NiMH and perhaps others (lithium is probably not mature
> enough as a technology to pin down charging specs).
> 
> Your benchmark for pricing this charger would be the Brusa range, which
> is out of reach for many hobbyists at over $3,000 ($4,000 if you buy it
> through Solectria).  Build such a charger (using good quality components
> and careful, well-paid labor) for $2,000 to $2,500 fully equipped ($1,200
> to $1,500 stripped) and I think you could sell it.
> 
> Does anyone disagree with me?  Flame away!  And thanks for asking.
> 
   NO flames here Dave! I Wrote this guy too , privately, with MY wish
list. YOU covered it better than I did! THANKS!

> David Roden - Akron, Ohio, USA
> 1991 Solectria Force 144vac
> 1979 General Engines ElectroPed 24vdc
> 1974 Honda Civic 96vdc
> 1970 GE Elec-trak 36 vdc