grid charger/balancer

[Mike Dabrowski 2000]

I did some research into HV CC power supplies, and think we can get off the shelf components to make one for less than $100.

The supply would be made with:

LPC-20-350---------$16.57
LPC-20-350, Mean Well LPC-20-350
Constant current supply

three RS-25-48-----$20.16-----$60.48
RS-25-48, Mean Well RS-25-48
Adjustable fixed voltage

one RS-15-12-------$18.14
RS-15-12, Mean Well RS-15-12
to run the battery fan


All supplies are universal AC inputs 85-260VAC, have isolated outputs.
The outputs of the three fixed 48V and one constant current supply would be connected in series to yield a 148 to 192VDC 350MA CC supply for the charging/balancing supply, and the 12V supply connected to the battery cooling fan.

The TRC people only sell to OEM, but I could order them through my business.
Of course if we did a group buy, the pricing could be better.
Output fuse and diode, and some leads and power cord, and we have a 350MA CC grid charger/balancer for just a bit over $100.

http://99mpg.com/Data/resources/down...dchargerv1.pdf

[Bisbonian]

Mike,

Keeping in mind that I'm an electrical idiot,

What would this be used for? Charging the battery overnight? Could it be used to restore a weak battery?

Thanks!

[Hybrid-Battery-Repair]

Originally Posted by Bisbonian

Mike,

Keeping in mind that I'm an electrical idiot,

What would this be used for? Charging the battery overnight? Could it be used to restore a weak battery?

Thanks!

It would be used to keep the Insight pack from going out of balance and developing P1447 errors. You would simply top up your battery every month or so.

[jkbrushaber]

I the install is fairly simple, count me in on a group buy.

Kevin

[thedhgroup]

What would happen if you used this every night? Would it damage the battery?

In my daily drive I go about 120 miles but over a 9 hour period. What would happen if I had a 12 deep cycle battery with an inverter powering the power supply to keep the pack up while the car is at rest between drives? I have an inverter going anyway to keep my laptop alive all day.

Thanks,

[3-Wheeler]

I would be interested in the charger as well, so please keep me in mind for a group buy.

I understand that your immediate selection in a power supply would be fixed at 350 mA, but if I could chose, my selection would be more like 200 mA or so, or at least one that could taper off at higher voltages. That way it wouldn't be quite so critical if I forget to disconnect at the proper time, or fuss with a timer to do the same.

As ogregev mentioned, my intent would be to use it once a month or so to keep the cells balanced, and maybe replenish things on an occasional heavy use day.

Jim.

[Bisbonian]

Originally Posted by ogregev

It would be used to keep the Insight pack from going out of balance and developing P1447 errors. You would simply top up your battery every month or so.

It sounds pretty good to me.

Very interested if a group buy comes together.

[Mike Dabrowski 2000]

I will talk with the TRC engineer, to see if he feels this would be safe, and then I will buy a set so I can build a prototype, and define some safe ways to tie it into the pack and bring out the charge port on a safe HV connector.
I can make battery fan connectors like I use for MIMA, that will allow plugging into the fan easily.

With the fan running, 350MA will be safe for days and would top off a pack in less than 24 hours.

We could use a simple 240V light bulb as a discharge load, and put in an automatic cycler, so you could leave it unattended for a weekend, and start off the week with a refreshed battery.
Another use would be to grid charge the insight pack with it so you could start most days with a full pack. a mini PHEV.

I just got this report from Allert in Holland: Who rebalanced a really weak pack.
See his users profile at the bottom of this page:
MIMA Users Page - MIMA Honda Insight Modified Integrated Motor Assist

"Allert said:
I just want to let you know that my battery is doing fine, I’ve made a trip to the Cote d’ Azur in France and drove almost 2000 miles.

Not one recall and better mileage than ever in the hills in France, battery capacity is what it should be and MIMA is very good in rolling hills. I did 85mpg on the whole trip and managed to get a little over 100mpg for a considerable distance from time to time."


This was after 2 cycles with 250MA


This charger will help cars that are having recalibrations frequently, and some that have an IMA code, but there will be others that will need a stronger cycling at the subpack level to bring them back. This is only for the full pack.
I will post a preliminary schematic on my website before the weekend, and do a blog on how to build it and how well it works. Then we can figure out how many we want to buy parts for.
This will be pretty simple to wire up, and if we stick with the 350MACC, no special components will be required.
A nice DIY project for the technically inclined. This supply will kill you just like the battery will, so don't try this if you are not qualified.

[Mike Dabrowski 2000]

The TRC engineer does not see any reason that this will not work, so I will order a set of power supplies tomorrow and build the prototype.
The price breaks for 10, 25, 50, pieces are pretty good, so this could be quite reasonable.

[Hybrid-Battery-Repair]

Originally Posted by Mike Dabrowski 2000

The TRC engineer does not see any reason that this will not work, so I will order a set of power supplies tomorrow and build the prototype.
The price breaks for 10, 25, 50, pieces are pretty good, so this could be quite reasonable.

Mike, are you going to be able to detect full and stop charging?