Battery Enclosure Size & Location - MSXV

Owned by Tze Sheun Vincent Wey (Deactivated)
Last updated: Dec 04, 2022 by Eric Zhao
3 min read

Where are we going to put the battery enclosure?

Considerations:

  • Available space

    • There is space behind the driver and in front, while not really any space to the side or below driver

    • Interaction with dynamics systems? E.g., front or rear suspension?

  • Safety

    • Enclosure should be mounted in a location that allows for a secure connection to the chassis, and routing of tubing for adequate cooling of the battery modules

  • Ease of access

    • Want to be able to easily access enclosure

      • Less relevant with the new regulations of impounding within the vehicle

    • Want to be able to easily remove enclosure from car for impounding

      • Less relevant with the new regulations of impounding within the vehicle

    • Want sufficient mounting locations for stability

  • Ventilation

    • Exhaust must be pulled to the exterior of the car away from any airstream which may reach the driver (regulation 8.4.D)

  • Braking

    • Will there be concerns with braking if we put the battery pack in the back? Too much weight in the back?

    • Weight tends to throw forward during braking

    • Risk of wheels locking up

 

Currently the enclosure has been designated to the space behind the driver between the two rear wheels.

 

Pros (Back Location)

Cons (Back Location)

  • Easier ventilation. Airflow from driver can be routed to enclosure. Exhaust from enclosure can be directly routed to exterior of vehicle

  • More available space, less interference with dynamics and aero body

  • Further from driver in case of thermal runaway, seat can act as additional barrier

  • Increases weight in the back, not ideal for braking

 

Pros (Front Location)

Cons (Front Location)

  • More weight in the front, better for braking

  • Harder ventilation, can not route exhaust to driver

  • Less available space, more challenge to fit in with existing structure

  • Closer to driver in case of thermal runaway. Smoke from fire can disrupt visibility while driving

 

Chat with Jens: June 26, 2022

  • MS12 experienced issues with braking. This is because the car only had front brakes and most of the weight was concentrated in the back. This combined with sensitive brakes led to the wheel locking up (skidding, no rotation, less efficient braking), which led to the car failing scrutineering trials.

  • MS15 will likely also be rear weighted again but will have brakes on all wheels. Brakes will also be designed to prevent wheel locking. Therefore, having more weight in the back should not be too much of an issue

  • Could move it to the front, but there would be concerns with how we vent the exhaust. Can not route it to the driver. Will have to allocate more space in the car to move the air. Limited space in the front to put the enclosure without having to create new structure.

  • General location in the back is fine as is, may use additional tubes on the side of the enclosure to help with mounting dynamics components, shouldn’t encroach on the space for the enclosure.

Conclusion:

As of right now it seems that placing the battery enclosure at the rear of the car would be the easiest and most feasible option.