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Been reading about replacing cells, just wondering if I have the gist of it down

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Technical Discussion' started by koukilights, Mar 13, 2018.

  1. oil_burner

    oil_burner Active Member

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    the problem is heat is not the only mechanism that damages a full cell that is still receiving charge. Otherwise you could just leave a trickle charger on any battery as long as you'd like with a fan on.
     
  2. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    What Jerry said.
     
  3. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    Not sure what your point is except to talk alot of shit about something you've never used or seen. And then argue with people who have it, used it, and had successful results.

    Let me save you some time. It sucks, we suck, and your right its all wrong and will never work. Oh and your a genius. Good night and god bless.
     
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  4. oil_burner

    oil_burner Active Member

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    It is difficult, if not impossible, to slow charge a NiMH battery. At a C rate of 0.1C to 0.3C, the voltage and temperature profiles do not exhibit defined characteristics to trigger full-charge detection, and the charger must depend on a timer. Harmful overcharge can occur when charging partially or fully charged batteries, even if the battery remains cold.

    The same scenario occurs if the battery has lost capacity and can only hold half the charge. In essence, this battery has shrunk to half the size while the fixed timer is programmed to apply a 100 percent charge without regard for battery condition.


    Charging Nickel-Metal-Hydride Batteries – Battery University
     
  5. oil_burner

    oil_burner Active Member

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    well, its a bit like seeing a bunch of guys turning a screw with a knife. And trying to explain to them that they need a screw driver. But by golly they've all spent $50 on their knives that turn screws just fine so what the heck are you going on about screw drivers for?

    If charging at the battery level at 0.3 amps works, I have no need to spend that kind of money on that charger, I could use any constant current programable charger for MUCH cheaper with the same results.
     
  6. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    What I’ve learned in life as a chemical engineer is that everything comes down to time and money;).

    The Prolong equipment gives the best results in the shortest period of time:).

    Mind sharing what “off the shelf” solution there is for cheaper and in a shorter period of time?

    Or will you need a knife of your own:whistle:?
     
  7. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    From playing around with older battery packs 2004, 2005. I can say some of them will not be good even after reconditioning. Although it makes sense to get a prolong to recondition gen3 cars, older high mileage gen2 cars probably should go the new battery route.
     
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  8. dolj

    dolj Senior Member

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    The only problem I see is that the smallest unit in the Prius HV battery is a module. A module, in turn contains 6 cells wired in series.

    Therefore it is not physically possible to cycle each cell in parallel, regardless of which charger you use. I fail to see how cycling 6 cells in series will "properly" balance the cells and cycling 168 cells in series will not "properly" balance the cells.

    I do not see the functional difference in cycling a module of 6 cells or a battery of 168 cells. Either way you are still cycling multiple cells in series.

    Maybe I'm missing something.
    If you have access to such resources, have at it. I don't think anyone is saying the HA gear is the only thing that works. It is more that Jeff has taken the initiative to supply a turnkey solution. Many people have bought it just because it is an easy and available solution.
     
  9. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    Ah, @dolj! Great point!!

    You could and it does. As long as you keep the battery cool and have the right voltage and current levels. But what do we know. We just use them and enjoy the results. But maybe if we'd never used one, we'd know as much about it as you do. I don't often get annoyed on this forum, but after someone repeatedly says I can't possibly do what I've been doing, I finally am compelled to say something.
     
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  10. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    Anyway, I hope you haven't fled screaming from the PC as a result of this interruption and you've gotten your problem sorted out. I apologize for what has happened to your thread.
     
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  11. koukilights

    koukilights Junior Member

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    No worries, I haven't solved the problem yet, I wish I could go with the new alternative prius battery pack but he's out of stock at the moment
     
  12. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    Well, rats! Looks like a new Toyota battery is the best option now if you want to keep on driving it. Or your buddy, I guess. But at 180,000 miles, that's a bit of a gamble.
     
  13. ericbecky

    ericbecky Hybrid Battery Hero

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    There are other places that sell the similar cylindrcal pack. Heck I may start selling them myself as well. We'll see.
    In the meantime, if you have want to chat about grid chargers, replacing packs, advantages of new packs, etc feel free to give me a call.
     
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  14. 2k1Toaster

    2k1Toaster Brand New Prius Batteries

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    Can't keep them in stock. Good problem to have I suppose, but I am trying to get more.

    The installers in the LAX area have been rather successful with the stock CEBA kit in recent times. It is identical in every aspect other than the battery itself. Having tested the CEBA battery the only real deficiencies I saw was the capacity. If we assume you're starting with a half dead battery compared to new, then the cheaper CEBA option for 5 years may work for some people. But you'd need to import them in bulk as in one-offs they are basically the same price as mine. :/
     
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