|
The Effect of Zapping
To maximize battery performance, remote control
(RC) racing enthusiasts have experimented with all imaginable
methods available. One technique that seems to work is zapping
the cells with a very high pulse current. Zapping is said
to increase the cell voltage slightly, generating more power.
Typically, the racecar motor draws 30A, delivered
by a 7.2V battery. This calculates to over 200W of power.
The battery must endure a race lasting about four minutes.
According to experts, zapping works best with
NiCd cells. NiMH cells have been tried but they have shown
inconsistent results.
Companies specializing in zapping NiCd for RC
racing use a very high quality Japanese NiCd cell. The cells
are normally sub-C in size and are handpicked at the factory
for the application. Specially labeled, the cells are delivered
in a discharged state. When measuring the cell in empty state-of-charge
(SoC), the voltage typically reads between 1.11 to 1.12V.
If the voltage drops lower than 1.06V, the cell is considered
suspect and zapping does not seem to enhance the performance
as well as on the others.
The zapping is done with a 47,000mF capacitor
that is charged to 90V. Best results are achieved if the battery
is cycled twice after treatment, then is zapped again. After
the battery has been in service for a while, zapping no longer
seems to improve the cell’s performance. Neither does zapping
regenerate a cell that has become weak.
The voltage increase on a properly zapped battery
is between 20 and 40mV. This improvement is measured under
a load of 30A. According to experts, the voltage gain is permanent
but there is a small drop with usage and age.
There are no apparent side effects in zapping,
however, the battery manufacturers remain silent about this
treatment. No scientific explanations are available why the
method of zapping improves battery performance. There is little
information available regarding the longevity of the cells
after they have been zapped.
|
