Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie

Need Battery Advice!

Options
  • 11-07-2009 1:48pm
    #1
    mcbaino
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1 ✭


    Hi im new to this site so im not sure if im posting in the right place... anyways im currently looking to turn a pedal powered metal framed go kart into a battery powered kart just for fun.... has anybody got any advice on what type of motor to use (best voltage, etc), what batteries to use and how many i'd need. the kart plus rider wouldnt exceed 150-200kg. any advice or general info/ links would be great. ive built go karts before but only wooden things for downhill so im a total amateur when it comes to electrics and batteries....
    thanks everybody!
    Tagged:


Comments

  • Options
    #2
    watty
    Registered Users Posts: 32,417 ✭✭✭✭watty


    Wheel chair Motors and for more power Car starter motors. Or for slow but lower power a pair of Wiper Motors. S/H motors from a scrap yard. They'll tap them to a battery to show they work.

    12V. Lead Acid. Minimum about 17AH rating. 12AH would not last long and wear out in 6 months or less.

    Small Car/Motorbike battery or 12V Gel or 12V wet Mat sealed. Must be rated heavy duty use, not Standby Charge type. Use a Small Car / Motor bike charger. The Gel 12V Lead Acid have shortest life span in this kind of usage.

    Do not allow to go flat or leave near flat or the battery will be very short lived.

    NiMH is lighter but very very expensive for same power rating. A high power application like this needs a specialist charger.

    Absolutely do not consider any kind of Lithium battery. It needs special electronics for stopping discharge, avoiding Thermal Runaway and charging.

    Ensure proper wiring and fuse and Switch rating and a thermal cutout as the stall current of the motor can be over 100A. Fire hazard.

    You need also bolt on bracket for battery as it is very dense and heavy. You don't want it to tear loose and break a neck/wrist/ankle if you hit a kerb or pot hole.

    You'll find the mechanics / gearing challenging.

    Speed control is not simple.


Advertisement