Most of the Computer Recyclers end up dealing with the NiMH or Lithiums, don't they? I'd normally consider this a bonus...but can a cheap standard charger work with non-Lead chemistry? Or is that only when you're trying to balance a pack?
When I have time to start my own project, i'll probably go with dual 12V, 20 Ahr Wheelchair Batteries-I have a standard 12V charger and can just charge one at a time(at least Balancing won't be a problem!).
I was toying with another option briefly-my Dad picked up a half-dozen old NiMH packs-and Chargers- for his Cordless tools for peanuts at a yard sale and is testing them out(if even one of them works he's got his money's worth!). It got me thinking... 12V NiMH packs for tools only hold about 4Ahrs apiece, but four strings of doubled packs=24V and 16Ahrs, bulky but light. Hold on, let me try some ASCII :
--p---p---p---p-
--b---b---b---b-
Ok. The roughly L-shaped packs are jammed into the box (which uses
contact-springs just like the Cordless packs for instant Swapping) and fits below the Center support. Behind the seat are 8 individual chargers(assuming that, like my Dad, you found the chargers with the packs!) hooked up to a Powerstrip and secured by a similar box. I'm told NiMHs can discharge more deeply than LA, so...let's assume about 12-14 miles per charge(i'm lowballing). If you start out with a full charge you have roughly 12-14 miles range, are a two-minute switchout away from another 12-14 mile charge-the fresh ones in the Charger Array-and then you can hook the Array up for roughly 45 minutes and have another 12-14 miles...in other words, you could take a long lunch(90 minutes) and have roughly 60 miles of travel under your belt. Then it's time for a long dinner and another 28 miles or so...if you're in an Urban environment and nobody begrudges you a Plug-in, you could run out of juice before the bike does! And this is assuming minimal pedaling...
This naturally assumes that I have my Dad's incredible Scrounging abilities though. Otherwise, it's LA for now.
Oh, WannabeEVer-glad to see you've got your project started! I just put new paint on my Donor (and the solid tubes-wish i'd had these as a kid). I've still got the Network test to go before i'm employable-did I mention I got my A+ cert(YAHOO!!!) so it looks like I get to learn from your setbacks...speaking of setbacks, Dad found out I had 'his' old VW generator and politely requested it back. And the transformer.
Not to worry though-when I mentioned the uses I had planned to put the parts to, he fished out a broken Craftsman 18V, 450W Hammerdrill, a handful of low-voltage Contactors, various Fuses and a few 12V Non-rechargeable Dry Cells to test everything with...
Dad also casually mentioned that the VW Generator( 1.8+HP at 24V) would have probably turned my light Touring frame into a screaming 30MPH+ Motorbike-not what I want with one back-wheel brake! With this Drill motor though, I might be able to go for a 1/3 gear ratio and have a nice, high-torque hill-climber at 15-18MPH. Yep, Dad's joined my design team-I might actually have a chance to pull this off now!
Ok, breaktime's over-got to hit the books one more time before bed. One more Test and it's Interview time...