Cameron Motor Works Electric Vehicle Conversion

Battery Connections

Search EV Web Site:


Contents

Home

Why?

EV Physics

Requirements

To Do List

The Vehicle

The Motor

Electrical

Other Systems

The Batteries

Testing

February 2005

Battery Connections


Connection Type Length Test Current Voltage Drop Resistance Power @ 300Amps Power @ 1000Amps
Version 1: Flattened 1/2" Copper Pipe
2.0 in 80 A 1.8 mV .023 mΩ 2 Watts 23 Watts
Version 3: Braided strap (Tinned, crimped, then tinned again)
2.0 80 A 1.9 .024 2.2 24
Version 4: Braided strap (Tinned then crimped)
2.2 80 A 2.2 .028 2.5 28
Version 4: Longer Braided strap
3.5 80 A 3.9 .049 4.4 49
2/0 Gauge cable
5.0 80 A 5.0 .063 5.6 63

Notes

  • It is important that there is flexibility to the copper straps to allow for subtle movement. If there is no flexibility, then the posts and internal battery connections will be strained.
  • It was tried to dip the ends is the solder bath after crimping to the braid, however, this caused the tinning on the braid to melt together, causing the braid to stiffen up. If the braid is flexed after this stiffening, it will easily break.

    Strap Construction

    The braided straps were constructed as follows:

    1. 2 gauge ground straps were purchased from the auto parts store. These are made by Pico in Canada, or can be purchased from Waytek Wire in the states.
    2. 1/2" commercial grade copper pipe was cut into 1" lengths
    3. The copper ends were deburred and cleaned up.
    4. The ends were slightly compressed to allow for easy insertion of the braid.
    5. These ends were then heated, dipped into flux for 30 seconds, then dipped into a solder bath for 20 seconds.
    6. Once cooled, the ends of the braids are dupped in flux, then slipped inside the copper end, to the full length of the end.
    7. The ends were pressed flat onto the braid (a vice can be used)
    8. The ends were drilled and chamfered.


  • Copyright © 2004-2005 Cameron Motor Works - a Division of Cameron Software Ltd.
    Use at own risk - no implicit or explicit warranty or guarantee of accuracy
    Without Prejudice