Hi, Arby,
As I said, the home made battery is a poor example, as it is not a new
idea, just a cheaper (or not) way to get there.
I think that maybe at the time, I was thinking more of the capability of
installing batteries into smaller spaces, like hull curvatures, which
might be possible if the cases were home-made. The stone sinks came into
it because I saw that done in a house installation, thus proving the
home-made concept.
I agree that sloshing acid would be problematic! (Visions of holes in
the 'floor'!)
Don't forget though, that as a professional, you are probably less
likely to have acceptance for things lesser than you are used to dealing
with, and that is natural, just as, as a machinist, I am less accepting
of a bolt-on milling machine attachment for a lathe.
And I agree that 'a' 6v $250 cell is of course better.
But for, say, a 48 v system, you would need 8 of those. I would need 4,
even for my projected minimal 24 v system, but of course, then it would
take it upwards from being minimal.
And some people have time, but less money. But on the other hand the
boat owner demographic is no doubt more common at the higher end of the
income range, than the lower.
And perhaps the people with more money, generally have less time, and
want to use their money to purchase convenience, as well as confidence.
Hence the typical commercial electric drive having more capability and
easy usability (and an extremely presentable appearance), rather than
marginal capability.
Overall, I think that the credibility will come as a natural process,
once:
1 - There are more electric boats so the purchasing public is aware of
the electric option. One area that this will no doubt occur is with
smaller outboards with smaller efficient batteries. It is already under
way in the kids toys field.
2 - The battery technology improves, increasing the range to remove the
fear of 'running out of gas'. 'Running out of gas' is no doubt a major
stumbling block. Maybe better ways to measure the 'gas level' would be
the way to go.
3 - Used boats with electric are more common.
4 - Batteries are developed enough to support more powerboat use. That
would be a biggie if it happens.
5 - Used electric drives are more commonly for sale as units.
The last one is probably the most difficult, as part of the success is
due to never having to need a new replacement. and boats are less likely
to be scrapped than, say, vehicles.
Time deals with all the others.
We are probably better not to underestimate the hobbyist, or the
ever-increasing thrust ratings of trolling motors in making a product
concept more public.
But that mental picture of a bank of sloshing stone kitchen sinks
certainly gives amusing food for thought. Especially crammed into a 26
footer.
Myles, thanks for all the battery info. A mine of information. All your
info should be put into a book, like has been suggested. Seriously, you
really ought to consider that.
As you know, my thought are fairly simple though, at least to start
with. I was thinking to get the show on the road with lead-acid (NOT
home-made!), then switch to the gel ones later, if I don't die first,
and if I feel it necessary at the time.
I recently bought a woodworking tool that has a lithium battery pack. It
has great features. No doubt Lithium will expand in it's market
acceptance.
Probably the cheapest way to save weight, and cost, is to have less
batteries, and I realise that this might not be an option for some, but
it is the way I want to go, because it suits my situation, both boat,
and financial.
You now have my thinking just about nailed on the head.
One of the problems of bringing business politics into discussions (my
fault almost entirely!) is that it can involve extremes and off-topic
diversion of thought.
To wind up that aspect..... I gave it a bit more thought, and have to
take back my opinions (can't remember to what extent I voiced them here)
regarding the commonsense of those who manage companies. A company is,
after all, in business to make money, so it is sounder business strategy
to let the R & D already be completed, then, at that time, buy a whole
smaller company together with the proven product. Irritating for me, and
probably Ron also, but fact.
It won't stop me doing my thing, I think it was Eric who hinted that the
duct idea might be worth looking deeper at, as opposed to, say the
winglets, and I agree, it is an easy added step once the unit is made. I
really have to get busy this winter. I said that to myself last fall,
too.
John
2c. Re: re New Ideas?
Posted by: "Arby Bernt" arbybernt@yahoo.com arbybernt
Date: Sat Aug 27, 2011 1:30 pm ((PDT))
Dear John,
While you are correct that making a battery can be done with a few
fundamental parts is possible (Volta made "piles" of metals, electrolyte
and seperators), Myles is correct that many millions have been invested
towards a better battery.
A 6v L16 lead acid wet cell at 375Ah for $250 would still be a much
better bargin than the cost of your time and material to build the same.
Electric boats need credibility. A bunch of old kitchen sinks full of
acid sloshing around below decks seems far off that mark...
Be Well,
Arby Bernt,
SAE Certified Battery Technician
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