Bionx PL350 new battery style

[greenspeed]

Hi folks, long-time lurker, first-time poster here. I have a Greenspeed GTO trike that I added a Bionx PL350 to a few months ago. About a month ago the power cut out at the beginning of a ride and diagnostics with the help of my dealer and Bionx determined that some non-user-serviceable part in the battery pack failed The replacement battery is NOT the same style shown on the Bionx site! It's a pack, apparently designed for their rack-mounted battery bag, made by BMZ http://www.bmz-gmbh.de/html/en/index.html, part no: 1036P US-18650 V1. The pack is wired to a flat, rectangular module (BMS?) which also has the charging connector attached via cable. I'll post pictures of the components once I get my camera recharged.

I'm interested in any comments on the form factor; especially with regard to future upgrades :wink: Questions are welcome, but l am NOT an expert on motors or batteries

 

[jondoh]

Not sure what you mean about comments on "form factor". The outside shape of the battery doesn't really matter to how the system will work (have you seen xyster's bike?). Basically the battery has to be the right voltage, have the right discharging capability, have at least 10 amp hours, not be too heavy and fit on your bike in an aesthetically pleasing manner (unless you're xyster ).

Since they don't have the same battery as before, it sounds like you're going to have to change the connectors to connect up to this new battery. It's not a big deal.

 

[xyster]

...(have you seen xyster's bike?). ...fit on your bike in an aesthetically pleasing manner (unless you're xyster ).

Sheez, it must be pick on poor ol' Xyster day again. You guys must be very, very jealous of either my unique ebike, or my amazing woodcrafting skills.

All right jondoh, you or anyone else, tell me: how would you fit three hundred, 0.75" diameter 3" long batteries (20s15p) on my bike below in a more aesthetically pleasing manner, while keeping the pack weight balanced towards the front, the pack(s) modular enough to pull on and off quickly, the 20 powerpole charging ports easily accessible, the housing weatherproof, and without obstructing or hindering normal pedal operation of the bicycle?

If your idea is clearly superior, I might just rebuild the packs and boxes again, and paint a big sign on the side "Designed By (insert name here)". Feel free to start a new thread so greenspeed's questions aren't ignored.

Since this photo I've fashioned waterproof nylon covers similar to the cover on the controller (without using duct tape, btw).

 

[OneEye]

Completely fill the front triangle with them. Is there enough volume in that space to put them all and still pedal? (without making your walking gait similar to a rodeo clown)

 

[recumbent]

I have the battery pack you describe and is labeled "BMZ" also.
However my trouble source was the brake, regen lock-out thing on the handle bar that was not installed correctly by my incompetent bike mechanics. Are you sure this is set properly?

Edit: oops, i thought you wanted to mount it in the frame box.

 

[xyster]

Completely fill the front triangle with them. Is there enough volume in that space to put them all and still pedal? (without making your walking gait similar to a rodeo clown)

Not enough space. I could only get at most half the cells in there. Also, it's much harder to build an easy-on easy-off box in the triangle. There is however enough pedal clearance. I used to have 60 cells in the triangle in a 4 inch wide box.

 

[greenspeed]

Here are some photos of the new pack style:

 

[recumbent]

Okay, it is an identical controler as mine but not mounted in the white "frame mount" box.

I'm wondering how easy it would be to add a 24 volt power upgrade to this controler, and if it would handle it?

What is that "+" and, minus adjustment, in the black circular item?

 

[GGoodrum]

Both the circuit and the pack look similar to what's in the regular Bionix triangle box, but the cells are arranged differently. The cells are 1.8 Ah "Konion" Li-Ion cells, which have a nominal voltage of 4.1V. In the triangle configuration, the cells are in a 6 x 10 arrangement (10s6p, or 10.8 Ah...), but this one appears to be configured 5 x 12. I'm sure it is still wired 10s6p.

I like the Bionix system, but it is woefully underpowered, in my opinion. For one thing, it has a governor that won't let it go above a certain speed (I think around 17-18 mph...), but it also lacks any sort of hill climbing ability. Nice beach cruiser, though. Has anybody ever hacked one of these controllers? How about using the hub motor with a clyte controller, can that work, or are the hall sensors different?

-- gary

 

[recumbent]

I like the Bionix system, but it is woefully underpowered, in my opinion. For one thing, it has a governor that won't let it go above a certain speed (I think around 17-18 mph...), but it also lacks any sort of hill climbing ability. Nice beach cruiser, though. Has anybody ever hacked one of these controllers? How about using the hub motor with a clyte controller, can that work, or are the hall sensors different?

Bionx is not designed for 1/4 mile breaking times that's for sure, just mount 25 LBs of copper to a 20" wheel, and 300 batteries for that title.
Be nice to retain a bikes handling agility and portability (at least be able to pick it up)
The top speed on my Bionx equiped bike with 700c wheels is 32KM/H but no head wind. Hills are easy to climb with moderate peddling, we should keep the spirit of cycling as part of the design envelope, in my mind.