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Update 11/07 We are pretty well settled in at our new home in Gateway, Oregon. We have high speed internet access with WildBlue by satellite, since the antiquated phone lines here will only let you connect at 2400 baud. It's hard to believe we put up with that speed not so long ago.
My latest project involves the new LifeBatt LiFePo4 batteries. These batteries use similar technology to the A123 cells, but they are 10 Ah vs. 2.2 for the A123. These batteries have performed very well in initial testing, but it is cycle life where they will pay off, with a 3 year warranty and the promise of 1000 or more recharge cycles. Accelerated life testing is going on right now at Sandia Labs and results should be available soon. I will be using these batteries with the hub motor on a bike I am helping Jim Parker of Cruzbike put together.
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About Me
I have over 30 years experience first as an electronic tech and then as a design engineer. I have set up calibration labs all over the world and worked on medical and consumer electronic products. I am disabled by a severe back injury but I can still take on a few projects from time to time, as long as there is no big rush...
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Cruzbike progress
I have replaced the 300W Ethinkar motor with a BMC 850W brushless motor with a modified Currie USPD drive. I have given this version its own page. Performance is much better than with the lower powered hub motor, but that is certainly no surprise |
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In the works...
Like many of us, I have more projects than energy. I have designed a simple bms for the LifePo4 batteries that detects low voltage, as over-discharge is the easiest way to cut these cells' lives short.
I am building myself a battery pack from A123 cells scavenged from DeWalt battery packs, as that is the least expensive way to get the cells.
I am working together with a friend on a fast charge system for these batteries.
I am dreaming of developing a multiple speed version of the USPD drive on the left. It looks like the easiest route will be to modify the drive to work on the right side, since that is the side that will accept the standard components. The system gives me very good performance as it is, but if I had 2 or 3 gear ratios it could make it more efficient, increasing my current range of 30 miles with just a little pedaling once in awhile.
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