Please post any ideas that you think could make EA better
...&/or help attract new members (& competitors)
Here are some of the ideas I have.
I've included some excerpts from the EA rule book ...& highlighted the sections that, IMO should be removed, in (red) ...& added some suggestions in (blue)
"VEHICLES Electrathon vehicles are single person, lightweight, aerodynamic, high efficiency, electric vehicles with three or four pneumatic tires. They must meet specific design and safety rules. They are powered by standard sealed (wont leak if damaged) lead acidbattery packs not exceeding (1,200Wh)the weight limit specified in the vehicle design rules section. (page 3.)
MEMBERSHIP A Competitor Membership is required for those wishing to compete in sanctioned Electrathon America events. (a build thread, posted & maintained on the EA forum, is required for all vehicles wishing to compete in sanctioned events.) It includes number registration for one vehicle, one Handbook, and one vote on any suggested rule changes that are presented by the Electrathon America Board during the Event Season. The membership voting rights also include the vote to appoint Electrathon America Board Members. The membership application form is available at the back of this handbook. (page 4.)
Experimentation of design and ingenuity are encouraged, but keep in mind the intent of safe competition for the driver and the other participants of an event. If a new concept is being attempted that does not fit the rules exactly it may be wise to contact an event official or an Officer of Electrathon America before proceeding with construction. It would be unfortunate to complete a vehicle and then have it disqualified at a competition. Please remember that safety is a primary goal. (page 5.)
* Vehicle build threads would also help in this regard.
11 BATTERIES 1. Batteries must be lead acid only. Only batteries that will not leak if punctured, such as gel cell or AGM (Absorptive Glass Mat) will be allowed to participate at events in practice or in competition. 2. Battery (cell) number(s)(are limited to 100 cells) and voltage is not limited (to 72VDC), but must meet specified weight limits, or must be the accepted battery types listed. 3. Batteries must display all original manufacturer's labels. 4. Batteries must be commercially retailed and available to any competitor. Custom built or specialized batteries are not allowed. (must be well documented) 5. Batteries must be stock and unmodified in any way, and meet all conditions of the manufacturer's written warranty. 6. Total battery weight can not exceed 73 pounds. Total battery weight includes any batteries used for controls actuation, or functioning of the vehicle. Computers, radios or similar equipment are not included. 7. Batteries cannot be exchanged or recharged from an outside source during a competition. Batteries may be recharged by regenerative braking, or, in the Solar Class, through use of solar panels. 8. Batteries must be securely attached to the vehicle in such a manner to withstand an impact or roll-over (page 8.)
28 ADVANCED BATTERY CLASS The Advanced Battery Class is intended to foster experimentation on with newer battery technologies that offer higher energy density than the more traditional lead-acid and reflect the rapidly expanding availability and usage in the transportation industry. The weight limits are meant to keep the available power under one kw/hr, or about the same as the current Standard Class. This list will be reviewed and updated periodically. All other Standard Class rules apply with the following exceptions: 1. Any type of the following sealed production batteries may be used as long as their weight does not exceed: 2. Maximum output of any battery combination used may not exceed a one-hour rating of one kilowatt/hour according to the manufacturer's data." (page 12.)
...& to be clear, I'm NOT suggesting that EA should abandon Lead Acid batteries.
They are perfect for students & folks to learn about electric storage & some of the stuff that can be done with batteries
...but, IMO we need to "lean away" from the emphasis on Lead batteries, to help attract more interest in the sport
...& teach folks about the newer components & technologies, that are available
So, this is an example, of what I had in mind: biggrin
VEHICLES
Electrathon vehicles are single person, lightweight, aerodynamic, high efficiency, electric vehicles with three or four pneumatic tires. They must meet specific design and safety rules. They are powered by battery packs not exceeding 1,200Wh.
(page 3.)
MEMBERSHIP
A Competitor Membership is required for the driver & a build thread (posted & maintained on the EA forum) for all vehicles, wishing to compete in sanctioned Electrathon America events. Membership includes number registration for one vehicle, one Handbook, and one vote on any suggested rule changes that are presented by the Electrathon America Board during the Event Season. The membership voting rights also include the vote to appoint Electrathon America Board Members. The membership application form is available at the back of this handbook. (page 4.)
11 BATTERIES
1. Battery pack cell number(s) are limited to 100 cells
2. Battery pack top voltage is limited to 72VDC
3. Batteries must display all original manufacturer's labels.
4. Batteries must be commercially retailed and available to any competitor. Custom built or specialized batteries are allowed must be well documented.
5. Batterie cells must be stock and unmodified in any way.
6. Batteries cannot be exchanged or recharged from an outside source during a competition. Batteries may be recharged by regenerative braking, or, in the Solar Class, through use of solar panels.
7. Batteries must be securely attached to the vehicle in such a manner to withstand an impact or roll-over
(page 8.)
28 ADVANCED BATTERY CLASS
The Advanced Battery Class is intended to foster experimentation on with newer battery technologies that offer higher energy density than the more traditional lead-acid and reflect the rapidly expanding availability and usage in the transportation industry. The 1,200kWh limit is meant to keep the available power under one kw/hr, or about the same as the current Standard Class. This list will be reviewed and updated periodically. All other Standard Class rules apply with the following exceptions:
1. Any type of sealed production batteries may be used
2. Maximum output of any battery combination used may not exceed a one-hour rating of 1,200watt/hour
(page 12.)
Some may ask:
Why a 1,200Wh limit, instead of the current 1kWh limit?
IMO 1kWh should still be the actual limit for competition (It's one of the main challenge foundations of the EA program)
...but, when working with Lithium cells, it's best to have a "buffer" (Like only charge up to ~80% & only discharge to ~20%)
...& having a 1,200Wh limit would give competitors a little bit more of a safety margin
...&/also, all of the different Lithium cell chemistries & configuration options, can add up to "odd" numbers
* For practice & competition the energy used should still be limited to 1kWh
...& just monitored (& maybe even recorded)
Why would every vehicle be required to have a build thread?
To document the details of their racer
...so, inspectors & track officials know (or can easily find out) more about the cars that are running in their races
Why limit the top voltage to 72VDC?
For safety.
I believe the Low Voltage limit for DC powered stuff is ~60VDC
...but, that designates the systems (nominal) voltage (not the top charge level of the batt pack)
...& top charge voltage of most 60V battery packs, is a little over 60VDC 4-12V Lead batteries (top charge of ~13.3V ea.) = ~66.5VDC