[EVDL] Zener bypass question

Frank John wrote:
> I have zener diode bypass regs on my 36 volt m-cycle conversion. It
> uses Group 31 AGM's and the last battery i.e. most positive, doesn't
> seem to be getting the charge it needs (verified by voltage reading
> during and after charging). It's still not clear to me why a bypass
> is needed on this battery; would removing that reg tend to force more
> current into the battery?

If the regulator is working, it shouldn't be bypassing any current if
that battery isn't fully charging (i.e. not lighting up). Thus
disconnecting its regulator would have no effect.

> I've also considered doubling-up on the regs to simply bypass more
> total current but would like to understand what's going on a bit more
> before doing that.

You could double up the regs on the *other* batteries if you suspect the
weak one is so far out of balance that the 0.5amp max bypass current
isn't enough. For example, if the weak battery needs an extra 10
amphours, and you charge for 10 hours, then you have to bypass 1 amp for
10 hours on the other batteries to keep them from overcharging.
--
Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget the perfect offering
There is a crack in everything
That's how the light gets in -- Leonard Cohen
--
Lee A. Hart, 814 8th Ave N, Sartell MN 56377, leeahart_at_earthlink.net

_______________________________________________
For subscription options, see
http://lists.sjsu.edu/mailman/listinfo/ev

Click to expand...