I have 42 CALB CA66Fi LiFePO4 cells which I am using in a Vectrix conversion.
Unfortunately, it would be very difficult to fit all of them in an upright position.
AFAIK, the cells should definitely not be mounted with the vent down, but what about mounting them on the narrow side?
I have sent an email to CALB but they do not respond and the distributor doesn't (want?) to know.
So, what is the consensus (if any) on mounting LiFePO4 cells on their side?
http://visforvoltage.org/forum/9972-thundersky-cell-orientation
basically in a discharged state (when there is free electrolyte) you don't want the vent sub-merged but you do want the electrolyte to be in contact with every sheet
Matt
Daily Ride:
2007 Vectrix, modified with 42 x Thundersky 60Ah in July 2010. Done 194'000km
Mounting LiFePO4 cells on their sides should not be a problem. Just don't mount them upside down!
www.lifebatt.com
My Current Motor Co. scooter uses 24 GBS cells - all mounted sideways, narrow-side down. At about 15,000 km, there have been no problems, except for a single defective cell early in the pack's life. This had nothing to do with mounting orientation.
And regarding the presence of free electrolyte, my experience has been that while some electrolyte can be heard sloshing inside the new cell before the first full charge, after a couple charge cycles, all electrolyte is absorbed into the porous active electrode materials the same manner as an AGM Pb-acid battery. You will only hear sloshing electrolyte again if the cell gets over-discharged to the point of swelling - the swollen cathode (or anode?) material squeezes the electrolyte liquid back out like a sponge. Don't ever allow this to happen of course.
Manfred,
This issue has come up on the EVDL (Electric Vehicle Discussion List - EVDL.org) before (often, in fact). The consensus of opinion appears to match Don and PJD's comments - i.e. your plan is fine. It might be worth joining and posting the same question on the EVDL if you want any more confirmation. Have a look through the archives as well...
I would be intrigued as to your arrangement plan and don't know why this has not been suggested before as a way to get the larger LiFePO4 cells in the V... perhaps it has and I missed it.
MW
Regards, Martin Winlow
Isle of Colonsay, Scotland
evalbum.com/2092
thanks to all who replied. :-)
That was a lot of good and encouraging information.
The Vectrix battery compartment can hold 32 or 33 of the CA66Fi cells standing up. The additional 9 or 10 cells will need to be arranged mounted on their narrow sides on top. There does not seem to be a way of getting everything in without cutting up the original battery cover and replacing it partially. I have even contemplated converting the Vectrix scooter to a motorbike by giving it a tank which would allow plenty of space for more cells, even standing up, plus some more cargo space. I don't mind doing this, but it is a lot more work. I'll post pictures if and when I get there.