As a Scrutineer, I have to verify that the main battery pack is fully contained in enclosures that can be sealed by event officials (thus sealing the batteries). A hasp latch for the battery enclosure will assist event officials in complying with this section of the rules.
(a) A battery enclosure is defined as a rigid box-like structure constructed from materials that are not easily flexible and that provides protection and stability to the battery system in the event of collision. Battery bags are not allowed.
(b) Batteries need to be strapped down, or held in place using structural members so that they will not move in the event of a vehicle roll over. If conductive materials are used to fasten batteries inside of the battery enclosure they must be properly insulated.
(c) The inside surfaces of battery enclosures made from conductive materials must be completely insulated.
(d) Battery boxes may not be used as dedicated crush zones as defined in Section 5.2.2. As such, battery boxes must not be located at the front of the vehicle frame.
(e) Other than forced air ventilation system intake and exhaust, the battery box must be air tight. Neither the intake nor exhaust may be open to the driver’s compartment.
(f) Battery boxes for lead-acid batteries must have forced-air ventilation which must operate whenever the battery system is electrically connected to the solar car, that maintains negative air-pressure within the box, cycles the air in the box 4 times per minute, and vents to the outside of the vehicle behind the driver’s compartment. [See diagram below]
There must be at least 3 cm of clearance between any devices inside the battery enclosure and both the intake and exhaust of the battery enclosure to ensure necessary room for air flow. Neither the intake or exhaust may be open to the driver’s compartment; ducting the exhaust behind the driver’s compartment is acceptable.
(g) Each battery and the battery box must be securely fastened to the vehicle’s structure so that the box will not move in the event of a crash. Nylon straps can be used to help secure the battery box; Velcro does not meet this requirement.
As a Scrutineer, I have to verify that the main battery pack is fully contained in enclosures that can be sealed by event officials (thus sealing the batteries). A hasp latch for the battery enclosure will assist event officials in complying with this section of the rules. (a) A battery enclosure is defined as a rigid box-like structure constructed from materials that are not easily flexible and that provides protection and stability to the battery system in the event of collision. Battery bags are not allowed. (b) Batteries need to be strapped down, or held in place using structural members so that they will not move in the event of a vehicle roll over. If conductive materials are used to fasten batteries inside of the battery enclosure they must be properly insulated. (c) The inside surfaces of battery enclosures made from conductive materials must be completely insulated.
(d) Battery boxes may not be used as dedicated crush zones as defined in Section 5.2.2. As such, battery boxes must not be located at the front of the vehicle frame. (e) Other than forced air ventilation system intake and exhaust, the battery box must be air tight. Neither the intake nor exhaust may be open to the driver’s compartment. (f) Battery boxes for lead-acid batteries must have forced-air ventilation which must operate whenever the battery system is electrically connected to the solar car, that maintains negative air-pressure within the box, cycles the air in the box 4 times per minute, and vents to the outside of the vehicle behind the driver’s compartment. [See diagram below] There must be at least 3 cm of clearance between any devices inside the battery enclosure and both the intake and exhaust of the battery enclosure to ensure necessary room for air flow. Neither the intake or exhaust may be open to the driver’s compartment; ducting the exhaust behind the driver’s compartment is acceptable. (g) Each battery and the battery box must be securely fastened to the vehicle’s structure so that the box will not move in the event of a crash. Nylon straps can be used to help secure the battery box; Velcro does not meet this requirement.