Batteries Again

[windtrader]

An idea I've been mulling around is the use of lithium for starts, either direct connected to lithium house pack or standalone start pack. The more research I do the more feasible and reasonable it seems. Key point - look at these tiny battery jump packs. If those little things can start a car, then a bigger one can easily start a bus engine. Once I get the specs worked out, I publish the research. 

[richard5933]

Better make sure that you have the start batts heated if you ever plan to run your bus in cold weather.

[luvrbus]

An idea I've been mulling around is the use of lithium for starts, either direct connected to lithium house pack or standalone start pack. The more research I do the more feasible and reasonable it seems. Key point - look at these tiny battery jump packs. If those little things can start a car, then a bigger one can easily start a bus engine. Once I get the specs worked out, I publish the research. 

I tried the lithium on my tractor a 105 amps with spin the starter with no load but kicks out when trying to start the engine on my tractor .Good luck Don it's going to take some work to spin a starter that take 600 to 900 amps to start a Detroit on a good day and to get the magic 60 rpms,you may can do it with MT39 reduction starter but the 42 or 50 is bear for amps,the GM people have no choice of starters   

[chessie4905]

currently, its the thieves hacksaw game off the catalytic converters for cash. I see batteries stolen in future.

[Dave5Cs]

Don has the MT 39

[windtrader]

The lithium house bank can easily put out 1500 amps for enough time to crank it over. The pack is 480aH (1C) so 3C for short bursts is a walk in the park. I have done it before using thin battery jump cables  between the lithium pack to the LA start batteries. It did kick over but there was some heat in the jumpers. Heavy gauge jumpers would work better but the real fix would be to use regular battery starter wire.


Agree the battery temperature is a consideration but mostly when charging. Discharging is fine at much lower temperatures.