Landracing Forum

Tech Information => Technical Discussion => Topic started by: Vishnuatepork on June 12, 2011, 01:56:42 AM

Title: Fuel cells, and battery mounts
Post by: Vishnuatepork on June 12, 2011, 01:56:42 AM
So the idea came to me today, while I was looking at the dented tank onone of my donor bikes, to do away with the fuel tank on my motorcycle altogether.

Heres my thinking;

I am getting a Lithium battery that can fit under the back cowling, where the tool kit rests. Freeing up a space where the regular battery is. In addition to that space, I will be removing the air boxes, which resides infront of the battery.  This will give me an area (approx)7"x8"x 8".  And I thought it would be a good spot for a fuel cell. It would also allow me to get real low...., as well as being lighter.  2-3 liters is enough for me to make 2-3 runs I figure.

Having looked at what I can find with google, there is next to nothing in the parameters listed above.
Can I have my local welding guru fab one up for me?  Or are there certification (documentation) issues.  I figure so long its not dripping/leaking/pressure tested, all should be good right?

Secondly,

I know that the rules  state that the battery MUST be secured with a steel strap.  Would Stainless steel cable ties be considered a strap?   

Cheers
Alan
Title: Re: Fuel cells, and battery mounts
Post by: Stainless1 on June 12, 2011, 09:02:18 AM
gas tanks can be constructed and used for racing... I have made several for the bike to aid rider position.  Any welder can build a leak free one from stainless or aluminum.  Be sure you have enough.

My opinion, No stainless tie wraps do not meet the requirement, you need to secure your battery.
Title: Re: Fuel cells, and battery mounts
Post by: Seldom Seen Slim on June 12, 2011, 09:14:41 AM
Fuel cell?  With H2 for fuel?  Unh, ask Ohio State and Rick Byrnes and others that have run high-pressure flammable/explosive gaseous fuel - about the extra issues you'll encounter because of that high pressure fuel tank.  Great idea, and certainly worth exploring - but it'll probably take some (lots?) extra effort to get it approved and running.  Go for it.
Title: Re: Fuel cells, and battery mounts
Post by: Captthundarr on June 12, 2011, 09:59:11 AM
Uh,Slim I beleive Vish is refering the fuel cells (tanks) that the race cars use. Plastic w/foam in them.
Title: Re: Fuel cells, and battery mounts
Post by: Vishnuatepork on June 12, 2011, 12:22:52 PM
 Be sure you have enough.



Do you mean enough gas?  where would I start sourcing all the alu hardware?

I am planning on running at Mojave, so its a short run, not a long course event for me.  

Thanks
Title: Re: Fuel cells, and battery mounts
Post by: Seldom Seen Slim on June 12, 2011, 08:42:19 PM
Oh.  Sorry for the mis-guided guess.  Now that I see the "other" meaning of fuel cell -- oh, yeah, I remember now. . . :|
Title: Re: Fuel cells, and battery mounts
Post by: Captthundarr on June 13, 2011, 12:01:33 AM
That's Slim, Thinking waaaaayyyyy out side the box or cell as it were. :-D. Vish, 1/8th to 1/4" aluminum plate should serfice to start with. check speedway motors for weld in bungs for the "fuel" gas cap. be sure to vent the tank with a roll over check valve for safety. just some places to start.hope it helps.
Title: Re: Fuel cells, and battery mounts
Post by: grumm441 on June 13, 2011, 08:05:08 AM
I know that the rules  state that the battery MUST be secured with a steel strap.  Would Stainless steel cable ties be considered a strap?   

Cheers
Alan

Alan

Not metal cable ties and not hose clamps

G
Title: Re: Fuel cells, and battery mounts
Post by: JimL on June 13, 2011, 09:05:01 PM
Don't know for sure why, but my fabricated, flat panel, aluminum tank cracked in a few places (last year).  I was told to rubber mount it (done, done, & did).  I found that the little A/C line mounts (used on the hard lines from the condensor on many Japanese cars) work really well.  They have a 6mm stud on each end, like a miniature motor mount.  Get 'em at the Pick-A-Part....use nylock nuts just fine.

Regards, JimL