Testing Batteries for Vehicular Applications III . Selection and Characterization of a Power Battery

The problem was to find an acceptable power battery (i.e., a high power density battery to deliver short time acceleration pulses) for an electric commuter vehicle concept powered by a dual battery system. A number of batteries were tested both Pb-acid and Ni-Cd. The best battery was a Ni-Cd aircraft starting battery. The next best candidate was a Pb-acid aircraft starting battery designed for high current drains for short time periods. It delivered 14 consecutive 1900W, 10 sec pulses. A Delco-Remy 2HN-11A military battery was tested to yield design data for the power plant. Several of the design batteries were built. Each consisted of seven cells containing 11 plates per cell. One of the batteries was tested. It delivered 15 consecutive 2500W acceleration power pulses to 10.5V. It weighed 32 lb; hence, the entire power pack would weigh 256 lb.