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Sailplane Batteries • A wide range of battery types, sizes, ratings etc in use in the glider fleet - including Motor Gliders. • Motor Gliders have the extra requirement of “starting” and extending /retracting the engine. • Touring Motor Gliders have the advantage of charging / maintaining the battery while the engine is running. • Battery type/style/model etc appears to be a function of individual or Club preference. • Battery technology is rapidly changing – size, type, capacity, weight, etc. Sailplane Batteries • As battery technology improves, the power requirements of individual devices - radio, transponder, instrumentation, etc has been/ is being progressively reduced. • As battery users, we continue to seek a battery that is in-exhaustable, quick to recharge, is small and lightweight, cheap, clean, very portable and safe – and will last forever. • Battery specific “terminology” is evolving. Sailplane Batteries Terminology • Primary Battery • Secondary Battery • Specific Energy • Spedific Power • Cycle Life • SLA = Non-rechargeable. = Re-chargeable. = Capacity = Power delivery (Whr/Kg) = Number recharge cycles. = Sealed Lead Acid Sailplane Batteries Battery Types • Flooded Lead-acid. Mainly stationary, Auto’s • Sealed Lead-acid Sailplanes, Alarm systems • Absorbed Glass Mat • Nickel based (NiMhi) • Lithium based (LiFe) – Lithium Ion Sailplane Batteries Battery Manufacture – Many Factors • Specific Energy • Size, shape, operating environment • Service life, Recharge cycles • Manufacturing cost / Purchasing cost • Shelf life • Load capability • Safety • Durability and Price. Sailplane Batteries Battery Safety • Batteries offer significant potential for danger to a glider pilot – battery is generally located where it can’t be seen or got at in flight. • Significant energy stored in a small area. • Problems include short-circuit, overload, etc caused by damaged circuitry. • Missile if not adequately secured. • Protection desired at the battery terminal – (which may not be sufficient if battery is ill). Sailplane Batteries • Battery charging requires particular attention to ensure safety and maximum battery capacity - even to recharge a simple SLA battery. • Be wary when working near batteries or battery terminals – watches, rings, spanners. • Lithium Ion battery recharging – be wary. – Use only the recommended charger, follow the manufacturer’s advice. • GFA AN on Lithium Ion batteries. Sailplane Batteries Battery Maintenance • Little “routine” maintenance required other than regular charging. • Keep battery terminals clean, tight and well insulated. • A single battery charger is unlikely to satisfy the various charging requirements of all batteries. • Some “intelligent” chargers now available. Sailplane Batteries To disconnect a battery from the system; • Disconnect –ve lead first. – More difficult to cause a short-circuit. Sailplane Batteries Charging Issues include; – Voltage, too high / low – Current, too high / low – “Float” current, too high /low. – Incorrect charge program. – Storage – state of charge. • Best advice – refer to the battery manufacturer’s recommendations. • This is particularly so with Lithium Ion batteries. Sailplane Batteries Not Specific to Motor Gliders • Battery / Electrical Circuit Protection Systems. • Battery Security • Battery Disposal • CASA Notes on Lithium Ion Batteries – copy in Basic Motor Glider Engineering.. Sailplane Batteries Some Battery / Electrical Issues • Not adequately secured. • Inadequate electrical protection; – Electrical protection – rating, insulation. – Inadequate battery security. – End of useful life – runs flat quickly. – Inadequate wiring (rating, security, protection). – Inappropriate (no) protection / isolation systems. • Cheap copies of “modern” batteries, without inbuilt safety & protection systems. Sailplane Batteries Sailplane Batteries