Having read this list for several years now, and commented occasionally, I know there some electrical engineers out there. It is to you I address this problem.
I am now the proud owner of a '96 Solectria Force which will be receiving a new battery made up of 48, 280A LiFePo4 prismatic cells. The Force was designed to run at 156v (13 lead acid batteries). My primary power source is a 16 panel, 8.5 Kw PV array. Max voltage under load is 43v/panel at 13A. There is no back up power as I am not grid tied. I do have a small domestic 24v Li battery to run my shop. The Force battery will be equipped with a robust BMS. I can configure the panels to provide 172v at 52A in full sun but I know that the voltage and amp will be unstable which does not promote longevity in Li cells. Normal circumstances have a charge controller between the battery and the array to even out the voltage. Normal charge controllers are 48v or less. I would like to find or build a buck/boost circuit that would match the battery. I think I could break the Force battery into 3, 16s packs, charge them parallel at 48v+ and then reconnect in series for discharge. I think 2 contactors per pack along with appropriate safety devices would do the job but that seems cumbersome at best if workable. I am not an engineer. I do have 30 years experience with automotive electronics. Since partial retirement, over the past 15 years I have converted an S-10 and 2 tractors to run as EVs. So I am somewhat familiar with the concepts and pitfalls. I would appreciate your thoughts and suggestions. Thanks in advance. John M "Money doesn't talk, it swears"--Bob Dylan _______________________________________________ Address messages to ev@lists.evdl.org No other addresses in TO and CC fields HELP: http://www.evdl.org/help/
