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Old 07-04-2011, 12:43 PM   #9 (permalink)
bwilson4web
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Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Huntsville, AL
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17 i3-REx - '14 BMW i3-REx
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MetroMPG View Post
Just FYI, if you're planning to refurbish your own pack, doing forced recalibrations and using regen/assist on its ailing cells will further damage the weak ones. (More of them may need to be replaced.)
I think this is a good idea but a better one might be to look at alternate pack designs. It sounds as if the stock battery management system may have a systemic problem and analysis might lead to a pack with longer legs.
Quote:
Originally Posted by MetroMPG View Post
. . .
Having said that, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend to any ecomodding type person to buy an Insight with a dead pack, and not bother replacing/refurbishing it. Just use the car as a non-hybrid. As long as the DC-DC converter works to keep the 12v system happy, you can drive it without any of the other IMA functions active and still achieve stellar fuel economy.

I actually see no real reason to refurbish my pack and bring IMA back online, aside from sheer curiosity about the project itself and then getting to play with the hybrid functionality.
I am not a Honda IMA expert but I remember seeing a Honda chart showing how the electric motor provides low-end torque. What I don't know is the extent the Honda control laws stress the batteries. Monitoring the temperature would be a good start.

You've got a vehicle with outstanding, low aerodynamic and rolling resistance. Bringing the ICE back to OEM spec seems like a natural especially if it can be done in a way that extends the battery life.

Bob Wilson
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2019 Tesla Model 3 Std. Range Plus - 215 mi EV
2017 BMW i3-REx - 106 mi EV, 88 mi mid-grade
Retired engineer, Huntsville, AL
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