Eclectic
1 kW
Since watching “The Video”, I have been using what I call “Just-In-Time” (JIT) charging. I have 20Ah of 12s Turnigy hardcases. I normally keep the battery at storage voltage (3.8??). Just before I go to ride (on the weekends) I try to figure how long I will ride. Since both of my chargers are ~300w (Thunder 1220 & HLG 320) I try to charge for about 210% of the amount of time I figure I will be riding. That usually gets me back home with the battery at storage voltage again. This means I am always charging to a different voltage (4.15 is the max though) and it is difficult to keep good charging records. It does leave me with enough charge to ride a couple of miles during the week if I need to run to the market etc. In my mind, it helps me keep my battery healthy for a longer time (differing opinions are welcome).
The downside is, I have to drag out the bike (I always charge on the driveway) and put it on the charger for an hour or two before I can ride anywhere significant.
My current dilemma is, once the time changes, I will be commuting to work again (part of my commute is just too dangerous ride in the dark). Last commute season I would charge from 8-10:30pm and then put the bike in the garage (under a welder’s blanket) ~11pm (leaving the battery @ 4.15VDC for 8 hours). I am trying to come up with a strategy for charging my battery that is not as bad as leaving it at full charge all night but not hosing my whole morning.
My 2 questions would be:
1. Does my current strategy make sense?
2. Any ideas on how to have a fully charged battery in the morning without leaving it charged all night?
The downside is, I have to drag out the bike (I always charge on the driveway) and put it on the charger for an hour or two before I can ride anywhere significant.
My current dilemma is, once the time changes, I will be commuting to work again (part of my commute is just too dangerous ride in the dark). Last commute season I would charge from 8-10:30pm and then put the bike in the garage (under a welder’s blanket) ~11pm (leaving the battery @ 4.15VDC for 8 hours). I am trying to come up with a strategy for charging my battery that is not as bad as leaving it at full charge all night but not hosing my whole morning.
My 2 questions would be:
1. Does my current strategy make sense?
2. Any ideas on how to have a fully charged battery in the morning without leaving it charged all night?