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Locomotive batteries


By BrianK, Section Remote Living
Posted on Fri Jul 16th, 2004 at 05:16:33 PM MST
need some advice

I bought a 8 volt diesel locomotive battery and am going to buy two more. Real nice sized batteries about 340lb. What I would like to know is how to get the lugs of the cells seperated
Locomotive batteries | 11 comments (11 topical, 0 editorial)

Re: choo choo batteries (3.00 / 0) (#1)
by MelTx on Fri Jul 16th, 2004 at 06:10:33 PM MST
(User Info)


   Hello B.K. et al

 If you are trying to remove the lugs, so as to remove the cells.This is the way we used to rebuild batteries:  Each cell has two posts that are attched to the lugs.Take a drill of about the post size and drill down a little 1/2 inch or so on each side of the lug. Then with some large pliers try to pry off the lugs,this is kind of hit and miss so drill some-- and pry some.Till the lug strap lets go. Do not let the drill shavings get into the battery, as this will short the plates out.Save the lug straps they can be used again.You will need some extra lead to and a torch to reattach the lugs. THERE IS HYDROGEN GAS INSIDE THE BATTERY so gently blow this out before you apply the tourch.I hope this helps.
                                  Franknbuger



Re: choo choo batteries (3.00 / 0) (#2)
by BrianK on Fri Jul 16th, 2004 at 06:16:52 PM MST
(User Info)

I think what you are telling me might help that is if the lugs you are speaking of are like the ones on those electric towmotor batteries. if so is there any way you could illustrate please.


[ Parent ]


Re: Locomotive batteries (3.00 / 0) (#3)
by scott h on Sat Jul 17th, 2004 at 09:23:30 AM MST
(User Info)

hello i have a full set of 8 that i use i took a sawzall and cut about a 1/2 inch piece of lead out of the bussbar than drilled new holes in the center of the main post and put stainless steel hanger bolts to hook up jumper wires i think iam useing 3/0 wire and i have them wired for 12 volts when you drill into the lead you have to keep your drillbit clean otherwise you will break drillbits good luck
scott h


Re: Locomotive batteries (3.00 / 0) (#4)
by BrianK on Sat Jul 17th, 2004 at 12:33:59 PM MST
(User Info)

is the set of 8 what the train takes? I bought 3 for $15 each. Now I just Have to Figure out how to keep them well charged. Now comes the figuring out the best way to charge. I dont think my little solar panel collection will do it yet. Right now only charges a deep cycle marine battery. I am guessing that I now have enough 12 volt power to run my whole house lighting from that if I want to, and mabye the fridge. WOOHOO. bye bye power company  LOL. I would be happy with getting my light bill down to say $30.Right now it runs about $90. I might go back to the scrap yard and see if there are anymore that are good. Can't beat the price.

   .

[ Parent ]



Re: Locomotive batteries (3.00 / 0) (#5)
by scott h on Sat Jul 17th, 2004 at 01:23:04 PM MST
(User Info)

hello yes a locomotive take 8 batterys. my batterys weigh 3200 lb's for the full set.i have a 60 amp 12 volt battery charger and i can set it for high med low i set it to med and hook up a 8 volt battery and charged them like that till i cut the bussbars and made 1 big 12 volt battery bank with 2 extra cells now i have them hooked to my solar system that keeps them up. good luck thay are a great set of batterys
scott h


Re: Locomotive batteries (3.00 / 0) (#6)
by Nando (nando37-at-tx-dot-rr-dot-com Correct theanti-spam) on Sun Jul 18th, 2004 at 09:43:32 AM MST
(User Info)

Brian:

Since you have 3 batteries, keep them as such and connect them to have 24 Volts battery bank.
Higher voltage in a battery bank is better for you, because the efficiency of the equipment is higher for higher input voltages.

We have installed systems with 48, 72, 120, 240 volts battery banks, also a few with 396 Volts banks -- the best -- for efficiency.

Regards

Nando



Re: Locomotive batteries (3.00 / 0) (#7)
by BrianK on Sun Jul 18th, 2004 at 01:07:53 PM MST
(User Info)

Cool thought Nando but how do you get them charged at those higher voltages? The scrap yard that I got these from has more I am going back to see if any more are worth picking up. At the 120 volt can you run regular house lights?

    .

[ Parent ]



Re: Locomotive batteries (3.00 / 0) (#10)
by Nando (nando37-at-tx-dot-rr-dot-com Correct theanti-spam) on Sat Aug 7th, 2004 at 06:17:44 PM MST
(User Info)

To charge them you need to have a source that is higher than the battery bank, then you plan accordingly.

Nando


[ Parent ]



Re: Locomotive batteries (3.00 / 0) (#8)
by BrianK on Sun Jul 18th, 2004 at 03:32:19 PM MST
(User Info)

Why do car batteries charge to about 14 volts, and all I can get into these locomotive batteries when chargeing 6 of the cells is a little over 12 volts. I am guessing that these batteries are 8 volt max each is that correct? I get 2.10 volts per cell max.

   .



Re: Locomotive batteries (3.00 / 0) (#9)
by BT Humble (bt_humble@bigpond.com) on Sun Jul 18th, 2004 at 05:06:35 PM MST
(User Info) http://www.humbletown.org


Why do car batteries charge to about 14 volts, and all I can get into these locomotive batteries when chargeing 6 of the cells is a little over 12 volts. I am guessing that these batteries are 8 volt max each is that correct? I get 2.10 volts per cell max.

If they're a lead/acid abttery then each cell will be a nominal 2V.  When they're well charged you should se 2.1-2.2V per cell.  It could also be that your charger doesn't have enough output to bring the voltage up right away - if they're a bit low it could take a few days.

I'd agree with the suggestion for wiring all 3 of your batteries in series for a 24V pack.  Alternatively if you're REALLY keen on having a 12V system just cut the connectors on one of the batteries and wire up a pair of 12V strings.

Any chance of a picture, so we can see what you're talking about?  (Or anyone else who's using these batteries?)  They sound interesting. ;-)

BTH

[ Parent ]



Re: Locomotive batteries, Suitability Revisited? (3.00 / 0) (#11)
by aogden (abogden@sbcglobal.net) on Mon Aug 15th, 2005 at 11:08:22 PM MST
(User Info)

I have the opportunity to acquire six lightly used 8 Volt (2 Volt/cell) locomotive starting batteries.  I am wondering what problems others are having with self drain etc?

These batteries are designed for extemely high current short duration service. For their 400 pounds weight each their 8 hour rate is ~500 A.H. at 1.75 VPC.  
How would these stack up against forklift batteries or 4D or 8D industrial varieties?

Would a suitable typical residential sized system be 48 Volts X 500 A.H. =  24000AH X 8hrs / 1000 Watts = 192kW Hours / day? Is this calculation correct or am I missing something?

Thank you,
Adrian



Locomotive batteries | 11 comments (11 topical, 0 editorial)
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