Project overview
REAPsystems produced lightweight Lithium-Ion battery systems, for the electronic equipment, on three yachts racing in the America's Cup. Two teams used REAPsystems management products as part of a battery system and one team was provided with the complete 12V battery system.
Our solution
The battery systems produced for this event were 12V, 50Ah, large Li-Ion batteries, with full protection and state of charge calculation. Two connectors allow connection to equipment and the charger, so charging can take place throughout use. The charger is controlled by the BMS which also carries out cell balancing and self disconnect. The BMS is powered down when necessary to minimise power consumption when the battery is not in use. The battery's status is shown on a detachable display which may also be connected remotely or unplugged in exchange for connection to a computer for changing parameters or data logging during battery testing. The fully charged battery is able to sit on the shelf undamaged for almost a year with no maintenance or charging.
Key challenges
As the design was produced for racing yachts this necessitated a low weight. It is a robust battery system, as it must withstand heavy handling and movement on and off the yachts. The remaining capacity and time must be viewable to allow efficient battery use, and low power consumption is also important as the yachts are out of use for long periods of time between events. The system must be easy to use for customers inexperienced in battery systems.
12V, 50Ah, large Li-Ion batteries, with full protection and state of charge calculation