Quote:
Originally Posted by hybriddriveguy
. . .
We have found that the Gen1 cells are always going to have the issue of leaking. They leak around the negative terminals as well and we have found more corrosion problems with packs that had the Toyota goop recall done than the ones that did not. With that said, given some upgrades to components, the leaking takes a long time to cause any failures and we still sell some with refurbished Gen1 cells. . . .
|
This is good news! I knew the salvage rate, something less than 3%, was providing a steady stream of recycle NHW11s but without module refurbishment, eventually that stream would fail to meet the long term demand. But the NHW20 failure rate is so low and there are so many, I figured the gap could be made up from them.
Have you found any modules with evidence of the pressure relief valve operating? I bought one failed battery pack in Columbia SC and none of the modules showed evidence of the pressure relief valve operating.
My experiments were aimed at adding a hydration port to the modules. My thought being rehydration could be done every two years to restore capacity. But I was never able to come up with a good anchor scheme for the stainless steel nut-plate.
BTW, last year I helped someone who had a failed traction battery get it picked up by Toyota. It took about two months including some private communications with some Toyota folks. What I'd like to suggest is add a 'standing offer' for failed traction batteries and/or modules. IMHO, fair market price: $200/40 ~= $5/module on top of shipping. Just a thought.
I started a thread over at PriusChat in their NHW11 forum, "Gen I", with your URL. I would also recommend a posting in the YahooGroups, "Prius Technical Stuff" and "Prius." Since the YahooGroup postings are first post moderated, I'd be happy to start a thread in each.
Eventually I'll have to retire from my current employer but we have this RV. I've had this 'brain fart' about putting a lift on the back, tool rack and spare NHW11 parts ... a shade tree, Prius mechanic who makes 'house calls.' <grins>
Bob Wilson