Change from 8S 33v lipo battery setup to 36v LiFePO4

[mjp8081]

So my eMTB uses 2x parallel Turnigy TrackStar 200amp ESCs, both labeled "34v max" on the side. I was thinking about switching to a 36v LiFePO4 battery. The 2 extra volts, probably wouldnt be a problem, but a fully charged 36v LiFePO4 battery actually maxes out at 45v or something like that. I'm assuming that would be a problem, right? ESCs dont have built in voltage regulators to handle that voltage, do they?

So I was looking at regulator buck boards on eBay, but I dont think any would handle the current.

Whats a good solution? --thanx

 

[WeeChumlee]

Hi
As I do not know what MOSFETs are used in the ESC I cannot say whether it would work or not. There is no voltage regulator on the input though.
34V max would cover a fully charged 8S lipo battery (33.6V) but I would not risk it at 45V which is over 30% of the max rating.
Putting a step-down voltage regulator in front of the ESCs would, in my opinion, not really be a feasible idea. As you have already seen such a device would have to handle the current drawn by both your motors and that would lead it to being a pretty large device, either with pretty large heat sinks (linear) or with with switched mode - which is basically a form of ESC before your ESC. Either way not very practical.
I am afraid with your current ESCs not really a good option, in my opinion, to switch to the 36V LiFePO4.

 

[mjp8081]

Thanks wee--yeah you might be right. I know there must be some sort of electrical solution to the problem, some sort of voltage reducer/limiter circuitboard that can handle the high current/amp draw. I am just ignorant of how to do it, but I imagine it would be too bulky or expensive.

I did find an interesting product line of ESCs, including a "dual" motor version, that advertise handling a wide range of input voltages (12V to 65V). I am waiting to hear about prices.

http://www.fliermodel.com/en/products.asp?bigclass=87

 

[WeeChumlee]

Hi
Oh, it is not a hard thing to do electrically. Linear and switched mode regulators are common - just not practical in your case.

The ESCs you mention can also be bought here:
http://alienpowersystem.com/product-category/esc/
The Flier ESCs do not have a great reputation though. You may be lucky but be warned.