DrkAngel
1 GW
All forms of batteries seemed to be adversely affected by Cold! ☃
Very noticeable, especially on my various ebikes, was that, cold greatly reduced the rate of output, as well as the capacity of various types of batteries.
This degradation is common to both Li-ion, as well as SLA batteries. Based on complaints, from others, LiFePO4, Li-po, Nimh etc. seem to suffer similarly.
The "rate of output" is often designated as the "C" rating. For example a 30ah battery, capable of a 30 amp output, would have a rating of 1C, a high performance RC car battery, (Li-po), might be a 5ah 20C rated, thus capable of a 100amp output, of course it would empty, very quickly!
Sub freezing temperature might cut the C rating, as well as the overall capacity by 50%. 0 degrees Fahrenheit degrades considerably more!
In my experience, most of this degradation is due to the battery temperature, though the motor and drivetrain also contribute, somewhat.
My recommendation is that the battery should be kept warm.
Easiest would be the use of a water heater blanket, to maintain ambient heat.
Stage 2 would be the application of a thermostatically controlled heat tape, such as is used to prevent pipes from freezing. While charging, the heat tape might not engage, but will maintain temperature after charge completes. It might even be efficient to self heat battery if left for prolonged period in the cold, several hours?
Caution! Some batteries require active ventilation, (mainly to prevent over heating), be sure not to cover fans, ventilation grills, etc!
Very noticeable, especially on my various ebikes, was that, cold greatly reduced the rate of output, as well as the capacity of various types of batteries.
This degradation is common to both Li-ion, as well as SLA batteries. Based on complaints, from others, LiFePO4, Li-po, Nimh etc. seem to suffer similarly.
The "rate of output" is often designated as the "C" rating. For example a 30ah battery, capable of a 30 amp output, would have a rating of 1C, a high performance RC car battery, (Li-po), might be a 5ah 20C rated, thus capable of a 100amp output, of course it would empty, very quickly!
Sub freezing temperature might cut the C rating, as well as the overall capacity by 50%. 0 degrees Fahrenheit degrades considerably more!
In my experience, most of this degradation is due to the battery temperature, though the motor and drivetrain also contribute, somewhat.
My recommendation is that the battery should be kept warm.
Easiest would be the use of a water heater blanket, to maintain ambient heat.
Stage 2 would be the application of a thermostatically controlled heat tape, such as is used to prevent pipes from freezing. While charging, the heat tape might not engage, but will maintain temperature after charge completes. It might even be efficient to self heat battery if left for prolonged period in the cold, several hours?
Caution! Some batteries require active ventilation, (mainly to prevent over heating), be sure not to cover fans, ventilation grills, etc!