Re: Q:NEDRA on batteries..

[Lee Hart <leeahart@earthlink.net>]

Bill Dube wrote:
> There are records at the lower voltages using flooded batteries,
> but this is basically because no one has sought that record that
> was running non-flooded batteries.
> 
> AGM and TMF type batteries have a far superior power-to-weight ratio...
> They can deliver more watts per kg than flooded batteries can. In drag
> racing, the most important single factor is power-to-weight ratio...
> On the dragstrip, there is really no advantage to flooded batteries...
> they are not as safe during a crash. They also don't recharge as quickly
> and produce more gas when they are charged. They also tend to cause
> corrosion on connections and on hold-down components.

Gee, Bill; why don't you tell us what you really think? :-)

When all-out, cost-is-no-object performance is all you want, you build
things that are totally focussed on that one goal, and give up
everything else to get it. This is fine if you have a vehicle that is
purpose-built for drag racing, and used for nothing else.

But, a great many people race for fun; winning isn't everything. They
want to drive the same car 7 days a week that they race on the weekends.
They race the "wrong" car, just because they like it. They use the
"wrong" batteries, or motor, or controller, because they cost less.

And you know what? they STILL have lots of fun, and can even win! High
tech batteries, controllers, and other slick gadgets can blow up; old
tech contactors and batteries work anyway. He who finishes the race
beats those who don't!

On to your battery complaints. 

Flooded batteries can be just as safe in a crash; it all depends on your
battery boxes. Can you imagine what it would take to puncture the 3/16"
steel case of a fork lift flooded battery? Or, consider that many sealed
batteries do not have high pressure cases; their case is no thicker than
a flooded case. And, just how dangerous do you think battery acid is?

Floodeds can be recharged just as quickly as sealed; maybe quicker
because gassing is a way to prevent damage from overcharging that sealed
batteries don't have. The amount of gas generated is reasonable unless
you are in some kind of runaway charging situation (in which case, the
sealed battery would fail, too).

Corrosion is a function of how well you control your charging. Floodeds
don't make a mess if you don't overcharge them.

I think racers should be free to use whatever they feel like using, as
long as they do it safely. Rather than legislate against floodeds, just
make sure they are used safely. They already have some built-in
disadvantages (like higher internal resistance) that will automatically
keep them from being used by the cost-is-no-object crowd.
-- 
Lee A. Hart                     Ring the bells that you can ring
4209 France Ave. N.             Forget the perfect offering
Robbinsdale, MN 55422 USA       There is a crack in everything
(612) 533-3226                  That's how the light gets in!
<leeahart@earthlink.net>                Leonard Cohen