Question: If this is indeed a feature and not a design failure, when this feature "activates" will Battleborn replace the battery if it happens during the warranty period?
1. Are Battleborn batteries UL listed or just built to UL standards? If so, to what standards are they listed?
2. Does Battleborn do environmental, vibration, and shock testing on their batteries? If so, would these tests have ensured that internal fasteners would not come loose under any foreseeable operating conditions?
2. Are there any tests done to prove that the flag terminals can withstand the torque expected when users attach and or remove heavy-duty external conductors such as what is needed to sustain peak currents within the specified limits of these batteries?
3. Is the maximum charging current of 50 A prominently displayed on the battery case and in the specs? What happens if the maximum charging current is exceeded? Is there any protection against exceeding the battery charging spec limit?
Mike, looking back at your questions you were wanting to ask regarding Battleborn batteries, I have been hoping you may have had an opportunity to have the Q & A session with Battleborn. Not sure when you were going to provide an update as you mentioned above, but I have not seen one yet. I value your insight to the Battleborn battery issue, and look forward to seeing a update from you soon. Thank you.
Battleborn/Dragonfly has just offered to do a video interview with me to answer those very questions. They’re supposed to call me today or Monday to figure out our schedules.
1. Specific model # and/or serial # detail of potentially affected products so customers can identify.
2. Scope of risk: How many of this product model/build-type have been sold - directly and thru resellers?
3. How to check/test if product is a) vulnerable or b) currently affected by loose bolt, since the terminal strap is fastened to the top cover. Wiggle? Twist?
4. Per the "aluminum is designed to melt in case of overload..." - The melting point of aluminum is 660 degF, copper 1984 degF. At those temps neither are 'promising', re-assuring, reasonable protection options. Melting point of some typical large fuse material is 180-250 degC, 356 to 482 degF. The BMS should be shutting the system down, if not actual appropriate external fusing first - sheesh.
Meanwhile - there is misleading/falsehood about testing battery capacity at full rated discharge current - say 100AH, drawing 100 amps, timing, down to what voltage level?
Industry standard capacity testing is voltage over time at 0.2C(capacity.) Performance degrades the more you load a battery. If your RV is drawing 100A, worse 300+A - what the heck? You'll never get rated capacity if you keep testing/using at full current rating draw.
Not only is this a design defect, but Battle Born has taken a stand of blaming the end user for the problem and won't do anything about it. See Will Prowse's second video on BB response. So far, this design flaw is in the 100amp/h battery. Dragonfly stock has been in decline for the last year. I suspect it is due to the high cost of their product vs other products that are of equal quality and at a lower price that is hurting them the most. This exposed design flaw and Battle Born attitude isn't helping them.
If this is indeed a "design feature" and not a design flaw, then it could be made into a Feature by putting a solder break between the terminal and the Buss bar. Even adding a lock washer or red Loctite would fix the problem. It can be an easy fix, IF they will do it! The discoloration on the Pos post should force a Warranty repair!
It seems to me, that if they wanted to use the terminal overheating as a "design feature" that putting a solder Plug between the Terminal and the Buss bar would work fine! At the very least an lock washer and or Red Loctite, would fix the problem. This needs to be addressed by BB!
I bought a 1 Battleborn 100ah battery during a cyber Monday event years ago but left it sitting in my shed. I finally put it in my self converted van about 4 months ago when my AGM battery died. I don’t camp as much as I used too but my 4 - 100w solar panels were working with it, but about 6 weeks ago, nothing was working. I found I had a blown fuse from the battery positive cable to the fuse block. Replaced the fuse and the new one blew out immediately. After working on this van for almost 6 years and not camping as much I haven’t dealt with it since (fed up). I live in Springwater NY (finger lakes area) and thought I’d look for someone local to troubleshoot it for me. If you happen to be in my area……
I am eagerly awaiting Battleborn's answers to your insightful questions. This will allow people with battleborn batteries to make informed decisions about their batteries.
Question: If this is indeed a feature and not a design failure, when this feature "activates" will Battleborn replace the battery if it happens during the warranty period?
Mike, Do you plan to do any testing yourself on these batteries? Chuck
Not sure if I have time for a deep-level study this winter, but I could certainly do an autopsy on a failed battery if I can get my hands on one.
1. Are Battleborn batteries UL listed or just built to UL standards? If so, to what standards are they listed?
2. Does Battleborn do environmental, vibration, and shock testing on their batteries? If so, would these tests have ensured that internal fasteners would not come loose under any foreseeable operating conditions?
2. Are there any tests done to prove that the flag terminals can withstand the torque expected when users attach and or remove heavy-duty external conductors such as what is needed to sustain peak currents within the specified limits of these batteries?
3. Is the maximum charging current of 50 A prominently displayed on the battery case and in the specs? What happens if the maximum charging current is exceeded? Is there any protection against exceeding the battery charging spec limit?
Mike, looking back at your questions you were wanting to ask regarding Battleborn batteries, I have been hoping you may have had an opportunity to have the Q & A session with Battleborn. Not sure when you were going to provide an update as you mentioned above, but I have not seen one yet. I value your insight to the Battleborn battery issue, and look forward to seeing a update from you soon. Thank you.
Battleborn/Dragonfly has just offered to do a video interview with me to answer those very questions. They’re supposed to call me today or Monday to figure out our schedules.
1. Specific model # and/or serial # detail of potentially affected products so customers can identify.
2. Scope of risk: How many of this product model/build-type have been sold - directly and thru resellers?
3. How to check/test if product is a) vulnerable or b) currently affected by loose bolt, since the terminal strap is fastened to the top cover. Wiggle? Twist?
4. Per the "aluminum is designed to melt in case of overload..." - The melting point of aluminum is 660 degF, copper 1984 degF. At those temps neither are 'promising', re-assuring, reasonable protection options. Melting point of some typical large fuse material is 180-250 degC, 356 to 482 degF. The BMS should be shutting the system down, if not actual appropriate external fusing first - sheesh.
Meanwhile - there is misleading/falsehood about testing battery capacity at full rated discharge current - say 100AH, drawing 100 amps, timing, down to what voltage level?
Industry standard capacity testing is voltage over time at 0.2C(capacity.) Performance degrades the more you load a battery. If your RV is drawing 100A, worse 300+A - what the heck? You'll never get rated capacity if you keep testing/using at full current rating draw.
Not only is this a design defect, but Battle Born has taken a stand of blaming the end user for the problem and won't do anything about it. See Will Prowse's second video on BB response. So far, this design flaw is in the 100amp/h battery. Dragonfly stock has been in decline for the last year. I suspect it is due to the high cost of their product vs other products that are of equal quality and at a lower price that is hurting them the most. This exposed design flaw and Battle Born attitude isn't helping them.
If this is indeed a "design feature" and not a design flaw, then it could be made into a Feature by putting a solder break between the terminal and the Buss bar. Even adding a lock washer or red Loctite would fix the problem. It can be an easy fix, IF they will do it! The discoloration on the Pos post should force a Warranty repair!
It seems to me, that if they wanted to use the terminal overheating as a "design feature" that putting a solder Plug between the Terminal and the Buss bar would work fine! At the very least an lock washer and or Red Loctite, would fix the problem. This needs to be addressed by BB!
I bought a 1 Battleborn 100ah battery during a cyber Monday event years ago but left it sitting in my shed. I finally put it in my self converted van about 4 months ago when my AGM battery died. I don’t camp as much as I used too but my 4 - 100w solar panels were working with it, but about 6 weeks ago, nothing was working. I found I had a blown fuse from the battery positive cable to the fuse block. Replaced the fuse and the new one blew out immediately. After working on this van for almost 6 years and not camping as much I haven’t dealt with it since (fed up). I live in Springwater NY (finger lakes area) and thought I’d look for someone local to troubleshoot it for me. If you happen to be in my area……
Thanks Mike, this revelation has many including myself sitting on edge. I knew you would look into this, you’re the best.
Thanks… I’ll do my best to get a video interview with BB, but their lawyers may insist on written answers.
I am eagerly awaiting Battleborn's answers to your insightful questions. This will allow people with battleborn batteries to make informed decisions about their batteries.