I have heard of techniques used to heat battaries while charing to raise their capactiy. What are some effective methods for heating batteries? Are these putting the batteries at risk? How much of a difference does heating make on the overall performance of the vehicle?
Please detail any methods you use or have observed!
I used to use a cooler with a hair drier blowing in, controled by a drier thermostat.
Some are using hot water with fish tank heaters. I think Clouds still use electric heating pads. About 110 degrees is a good temp to shoot for, to hot and you will hurt the batteries.
I agree with what Aaron has to say about tempeture. If you do make something test it several times so you know what will happen, and to make sure it is working properly. Rather fry a heating pad at the house than at the track because you didn't test it.
My dad is a firm believer in heating, generally about 115. Since it is a pain to take the batteries in and out of the cars we use, like Aaron said, a heating pad of sorts. Basically you use soil heating wires that you can get at a garden store and wire it through sign bored (the kind like political signs have, plastic with small slats). Then simply have a plug on the wire that you can plug into an outlet. Inside the car insulate on the sides and top with foam, or some other lightweight insulant, with the pad under the batteries. Attach a thermometer inside, and as soon as you get to your target temp unplug.
You are putting batteries at risk if it is done incorrectly. Done correctly there is not harm. One of the biggest ways to reduce your battery life is letting a battery sit uncharged for any amount of time, that is the most done yet very easy avoided.
My dad always says that we have an advantage on cool days because everyone has cool batteries, giving them less power. Given his 20+ years experience I would say trying out ways to heat your batteries would prove effective.
