REVIEW OF GRAPHENE BATTERY
I. Introduction
This will be my review of the new Graphene Battery from Chilwee. I will be presenting actual performance of the battery on the criteria of Initial Charge and End Charge and its percentage value, Speed of the unit , Charging Time, Energy Storage, Battery Discharge and its percentage , Power and the difference of grapheme battery from gel type battery.
II. Sources
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VRLA_battery
http://www.graphene-info.com/graphene-batteries
http://www.graphene-info.com/introduction
http://www.azonano.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=4326
https://www.batterystuff.com/…/battery-arti…/gel-vs-agm.html
III. Chilwee Graphene Battery
Chilwee BG (BLACK GOLD) Series high energy VRLA Battery is specially designed based on Graphene Technology, which has obviously improve the battery’s capacity, output power, cycle life and high/low temperature performance. The Chilwee BG (BLACK GOLD) Series provides longer range, larger power and extremely long life for motive power applications, i.e. electric bicycles, electric tricycles, electric motorcycles and other device require DC power source.
A. Key Features
* Designed based on Graphene Technology enables the BG (BLACK GOLD) series Battery with the features of excellent long range, larger power and extremely long life
* Unique structure of battery container and lid to ensure excellent gas recommendation efficiency, less gas released so that water loss rate is reduced.
* Special grid alloy material and special lead paste prescription have been utilized to resist corrosion on plates, prolong the life of the battery.
* Increased positive active material to improve the battery’s initial capacity and service life
* Redesigned battery container and terminal, more attractive appearance and easy for installation.
B. Advantages
* Capacity has been increased 10 – 16{0cee4c19df97ef25b5e1f91d4817f4de43daceb9d9331ebfbeaa6d600ebbc9f0};
* Cycle life has been increased 50{0cee4c19df97ef25b5e1f91d4817f4de43daceb9d9331ebfbeaa6d600ebbc9f0} more;
* Low/High Temperature performance has been improved 30-40{0cee4c19df97ef25b5e1f91d4817f4de43daceb9d9331ebfbeaa6d600ebbc9f0};
* Water Loss rate has been decreased 40{0cee4c19df97ef25b5e1f91d4817f4de43daceb9d9331ebfbeaa6d600ebbc9f0};
* Large power discharge capability has been increased 15{0cee4c19df97ef25b5e1f91d4817f4de43daceb9d9331ebfbeaa6d600ebbc9f0};
* Special charger is applied to ensure battery be fully charged and to prevent overcharge.
C. Product Characteristics
• Nominal Voltage: 12V (6 Cells)
• Cycle Life ≥ 850 cycles @ 80{0cee4c19df97ef25b5e1f91d4817f4de43daceb9d9331ebfbeaa6d600ebbc9f0} DOD
• Float Charge Voltage: 2.25V/Cell – 2.30V/Cell
• Equalization Charge Voltage: 2.44V/Cell – 2.46V/Cell
• Low Discharge Rate ≤ 3{0cee4c19df97ef25b5e1f91d4817f4de43daceb9d9331ebfbeaa6d600ebbc9f0}
• Container Material: Enhanced ABS
Source from Chilwee website
http://www.cnchaowei.com/en/product9.php
IV. Review Proper
I have selected a route that will go along small street, avenues and the main road in my area. It is a pre-determined route, that have a constant length of travel of approximately +8km. I will be traversing along this route in testing both the Graphene Battery and the Gel Type Battery. This is usually my route from my house going to work.
I’ll be using my ebike as my mode of review of the battery.
Brand : Hamsun H3 Tri-wheel
Rated Voltage: 48 Volts
Rated Power: 500 Watts
Capacity : 20ah
Battery: Chilwee VRLA Gel Type
Chilwee Graphene Battery
Brake : Front – Disc, Rear – Dual Rear Drum, Park Brake
Speed : 35Km/Hr – 40km/Hr Max, Actual 37Km/Hr
Range : 50 – 60km
Capacity : 200kg Max Load
Font tire 3.0-10 (Tubeless)
Rear tire 2.75-10 (Tubeless)
Climbing: Up to 30deg
Head Light : LED Lights
Basket : Front & Rear Stainless
Charging time : 6-8hrs
Key Feature : Ignition Key, Remote Control, Alarm System,
A. Control
Time given for each battery to be used would be 5 days up to 6 days maximum. The route would be pre-determined with the distance of 8km but not exceeding 9 km. Test will be done on a daily basis, control would be the distance, wherein after accomplishing +8km the test for the day is done. The E-bike will set for night driving, to ensure that the consumption of the charge will be optimum since it will be using its lights. Since my e-bike has 3 speed setting namely speed 1 is 20kph max, speed 2 is 30kph max and speed 3 is 37kph max, for a sake of constant reading of the data output, I have decided to use speed 2 max 30kph to as a means of balanced and normal discharge of the battery while doing the test A week is given for each battery to be used, be charged and documented. Completing 2 weeks for both batteries to be tested and gather data.
B. Constraints
Since the given time for each battery to be tested is in daily basis, we cannot determined the one drive time drive test, so the test will be done in accumulation of the daily gathered data. Thus we cannot determine the actual readings of a long drive on the basis of distance, battery discharge and condition of the battery. As of the route again accumulation of the daily gathered data will be our basis. The difference maybe minimal and we can assume the outcome in the end with a conservative view.
Another point is that, the Graphene Battery that I have is only 2-3 weeks old and only just arrived last February, while my VRLA Gel Type Battery is 7 months old and I’ve been using it almost in a daily basis. There could be a small amount of difference since it’s not a new battery.
I am only using the voltmeter installed in the display also the speedometer, all the data that I will gather will be based on display of the stock panel installed in my e-bike. I deemed the display panel and all its functions are not tampered while doing the test, it has no discrepancies on the reading and also the display particularly the speed, battery charged left and the battery gauge meter is quite accurate and I have been using it since the day I bought my e-bike.
Lastly as for the person that will be doing the test and review is not a certified technician nor a good electrician. I lack the knowledge and know how in electronics, so I maybe wrong at some things. I will only base my findings on my own observation, the reading of the display in my e-bike and all the data that I can gather. I can only interpret it on my own understanding and disregarding most electrical terms and norms. I leave the rest of the data that I have gathered to the readers.
C. Hyphotesis
Since both of the battery have the same composition based on the components to build it, only difference is the Graphene Battery which have the Graphene Technology imbedded inside the plates, giving it more power. I am guessing it will discharged in a lesser rate, thus more charge is saved, with lesser discharge and charge hold up of the battery, the Graphene Battery will outlast the VRLA one. Also since the AH of the Graphene Battery is higher than the VRLA, this give it more range.
D. Actual Readings of the Battery
D.1 Chilwee Gel Type Battery
February 27 – March 2, 2017
Day 1
{0cee4c19df97ef25b5e1f91d4817f4de43daceb9d9331ebfbeaa6d600ebbc9f0}
Initial Charge Display: 52v = 100{0cee4c19df97ef25b5e1f91d4817f4de43daceb9d9331ebfbeaa6d600ebbc9f0}
End Charge Display: 51v = 90{0cee4c19df97ef25b5e1f91d4817f4de43daceb9d9331ebfbeaa6d600ebbc9f0}
Max Speed: 30kph
Voltage Discharge: 49v to 48v = 80{0cee4c19df97ef25b5e1f91d4817f4de43daceb9d9331ebfbeaa6d600ebbc9f0} to 70{0cee4c19df97ef25b5e1f91d4817f4de43daceb9d9331ebfbeaa6d600ebbc9f0}
Distance Travelled: 8.7 km
Total Distance Travelled 8.7 km
Day 2
{0cee4c19df97ef25b5e1f91d4817f4de43daceb9d9331ebfbeaa6d600ebbc9f0}
Initial Charge Display: 51v = 90{0cee4c19df97ef25b5e1f91d4817f4de43daceb9d9331ebfbeaa6d600ebbc9f0}
End Charge Display: 50v = 80{0cee4c19df97ef25b5e1f91d4817f4de43daceb9d9331ebfbeaa6d600ebbc9f0}
Max Speed: 30kph – 29kph
Voltage Discharge: 48v to 47v = 70{0cee4c19df97ef25b5e1f91d4817f4de43daceb9d9331ebfbeaa6d600ebbc9f0} to 60{0cee4c19df97ef25b5e1f91d4817f4de43daceb9d9331ebfbeaa6d600ebbc9f0}
Distance Travelled: 8.6 km
Total Distance Travelled: 17.3 km
Day 3
{0cee4c19df97ef25b5e1f91d4817f4de43daceb9d9331ebfbeaa6d600ebbc9f0}
Initial Charge Display: 50v = 80{0cee4c19df97ef25b5e1f91d4817f4de43daceb9d9331ebfbeaa6d600ebbc9f0}
End Charge Display: 49v = 70{0cee4c19df97ef25b5e1f91d4817f4de43daceb9d9331ebfbeaa6d600ebbc9f0}
Max Speed: 29kph – 28kph
Voltage Discharge: 47v = 60{0cee4c19df97ef25b5e1f91d4817f4de43daceb9d9331ebfbeaa6d600ebbc9f0}
Distance Travelled: 8.6 km
Total Distance Travelled: 25.9 km
Day 4
{0cee4c19df97ef25b5e1f91d4817f4de43daceb9d9331ebfbeaa6d600ebbc9f0}
Initial Charge Display: 49v = 60{0cee4c19df97ef25b5e1f91d4817f4de43daceb9d9331ebfbeaa6d600ebbc9f0}
End Charge Display: 48v = 50{0cee4c19df97ef25b5e1f91d4817f4de43daceb9d9331ebfbeaa6d600ebbc9f0}
Max Speed: 27kph
Voltage Discharge: 46v = 50{0cee4c19df97ef25b5e1f91d4817f4de43daceb9d9331ebfbeaa6d600ebbc9f0}
Distance Travelled: 8.4 km
Total Distance Travelled: 34.5 km
Day 5
{0cee4c19df97ef25b5e1f91d4817f4de43daceb9d9331ebfbeaa6d600ebbc9f0}
Initial Charge Display: 48v = 50{0cee4c19df97ef25b5e1f91d4817f4de43daceb9d9331ebfbeaa6d600ebbc9f0}
End Charge Display: 46v = 30{0cee4c19df97ef25b5e1f91d4817f4de43daceb9d9331ebfbeaa6d600ebbc9f0}
Max Speed: 27kph
Voltage Discharge: 45v = 40{0cee4c19df97ef25b5e1f91d4817f4de43daceb9d9331ebfbeaa6d600ebbc9f0}
Distance Travelled: 8.2 km
Total Distance Travelled: 42.7 km
Day 6
{0cee4c19df97ef25b5e1f91d4817f4de43daceb9d9331ebfbeaa6d600ebbc9f0}
Initial Charge Display: 46v = 30{0cee4c19df97ef25b5e1f91d4817f4de43daceb9d9331ebfbeaa6d600ebbc9f0}
End Charge Display: 46v = 30{0cee4c19df97ef25b5e1f91d4817f4de43daceb9d9331ebfbeaa6d600ebbc9f0}
Max Speed: 25kph
Voltage Discharge: 44v – 43v = 30{0cee4c19df97ef25b5e1f91d4817f4de43daceb9d9331ebfbeaa6d600ebbc9f0} – 20{0cee4c19df97ef25b5e1f91d4817f4de43daceb9d9331ebfbeaa6d600ebbc9f0}
Distance Travelled: 3.1 km
Total Distance Travelled: 45.2 km
# Day 6 never happened, after finishing my ride on day 5, I quickly took the data and restarted for the day 6 data collecting. Since the charge is already low I decided to go on a shorter route just in case. After 3km the battery is already going on the red with 2 going down to 1 battery in the battery meter, also the voltage is keep going up and down, while the speed is constant I already feel the timid speed. From their I know it wouldn’t last 5km more and I am force to go home
# Another constraint, I could take my Graphene battery with me but again the weight of another battery at the back will hinder the integrity of the test so it’s out of the equation. No extra battery to change because an extra weight will compromise the data
D.2 Chilwee Graphene Battery
March 6 – March 11, 2017
Day 1
{0cee4c19df97ef25b5e1f91d4817f4de43daceb9d9331ebfbeaa6d600ebbc9f0}
Initial Charge Display: 52v = 100{0cee4c19df97ef25b5e1f91d4817f4de43daceb9d9331ebfbeaa6d600ebbc9f0}
End Charge Display: 51v = 90{0cee4c19df97ef25b5e1f91d4817f4de43daceb9d9331ebfbeaa6d600ebbc9f0}
Max Speed: 31 kph
Voltage Discharge: 49v = 80{0cee4c19df97ef25b5e1f91d4817f4de43daceb9d9331ebfbeaa6d600ebbc9f0}
Distance Travelled: 8.8km
Total Distance Travelled: 8.8km
Day 2
{0cee4c19df97ef25b5e1f91d4817f4de43daceb9d9331ebfbeaa6d600ebbc9f0}
Initial Charge Display: 51v = 90{0cee4c19df97ef25b5e1f91d4817f4de43daceb9d9331ebfbeaa6d600ebbc9f0}
End Charge Display: 50v = 80{0cee4c19df97ef25b5e1f91d4817f4de43daceb9d9331ebfbeaa6d600ebbc9f0}
Max Speed: 30kph
Voltage Discharge: 48v = 70{0cee4c19df97ef25b5e1f91d4817f4de43daceb9d9331ebfbeaa6d600ebbc9f0}
Distance Travelled: 8.8km
Total Distance Travelled: 17.6km
Day 3
{0cee4c19df97ef25b5e1f91d4817f4de43daceb9d9331ebfbeaa6d600ebbc9f0}
Initial Charge Display: 50v = 80{0cee4c19df97ef25b5e1f91d4817f4de43daceb9d9331ebfbeaa6d600ebbc9f0}
End Charge Display: 49v = 70{0cee4c19df97ef25b5e1f91d4817f4de43daceb9d9331ebfbeaa6d600ebbc9f0}
Max Speed: 29kph
Voltage Discharge: 47v = 60{0cee4c19df97ef25b5e1f91d4817f4de43daceb9d9331ebfbeaa6d600ebbc9f0}
Distance Travelled: 8.7km
Total Distance Travelled: 26.3km
Day 4
{0cee4c19df97ef25b5e1f91d4817f4de43daceb9d9331ebfbeaa6d600ebbc9f0}
Initial Charge Display: 49v = 70{0cee4c19df97ef25b5e1f91d4817f4de43daceb9d9331ebfbeaa6d600ebbc9f0}
End Charge Display: 48v = 60{0cee4c19df97ef25b5e1f91d4817f4de43daceb9d9331ebfbeaa6d600ebbc9f0}
Max Speed: 28kph
Voltage Discharge: 46v = 50{0cee4c19df97ef25b5e1f91d4817f4de43daceb9d9331ebfbeaa6d600ebbc9f0}
Distance Travelled: 8.8km
Total Distance Travelled: 35.1km
Day 5
{0cee4c19df97ef25b5e1f91d4817f4de43daceb9d9331ebfbeaa6d600ebbc9f0}
Initial Charge Display: 49v = 70{0cee4c19df97ef25b5e1f91d4817f4de43daceb9d9331ebfbeaa6d600ebbc9f0}
End Charge Display: 47v = 40{0cee4c19df97ef25b5e1f91d4817f4de43daceb9d9331ebfbeaa6d600ebbc9f0}
Max Speed: 27kph
Voltage Discharge: 45v = 40{0cee4c19df97ef25b5e1f91d4817f4de43daceb9d9331ebfbeaa6d600ebbc9f0}
Distance Travelled: 8.3km
Total Distance Travelled: 43.4km
Day 6
{0cee4c19df97ef25b5e1f91d4817f4de43daceb9d9331ebfbeaa6d600ebbc9f0}
Initial Charge Display: 47v = 40{0cee4c19df97ef25b5e1f91d4817f4de43daceb9d9331ebfbeaa6d600ebbc9f0}
End Charge Display: 46v = 30{0cee4c19df97ef25b5e1f91d4817f4de43daceb9d9331ebfbeaa6d600ebbc9f0}
Max Speed: 26kph
Voltage Discharge: 44v = 30{0cee4c19df97ef25b5e1f91d4817f4de43daceb9d9331ebfbeaa6d600ebbc9f0}
Distance Travelled: 8.3km
Total Distance Travelled: 51.7km
# As of the last reading in the battery. The retained battery charge can still manage to go for another maybe 8km mode or one more run around the route. Even though the battery is already 46v which is 30{0cee4c19df97ef25b5e1f91d4817f4de43daceb9d9331ebfbeaa6d600ebbc9f0} due to the characteristics of the Graphene Battery, we could say it still have some more juice to have a run. However I have stopped the test from this point since its dangerous to run the battery in a this state since it will have an effect later on in its life span. Also I could run it one more time in the route but the speed will be limited not running in full speed 2, switching from speed 1 to speed 2 depending on the route stepping from secondary to main road. So this is a safe bet but I can recommend that it still can run another 8km more or less.
# Another point is that there are a difference in the distance per day of both the gel type battery and the graphene battery. This is due to the way how we drive and maneuver our e-bike in the road. Since the battery is fully charge we have enough power to wiggle our way in traffic thus we add more km in our driving. While then the batter is already low we tend to not to maneuver much and drive more streamlined. Thus the output of the distance readings differ per day and per drive in our e-bikes. The more the battery is fully charge we are able to move freely in traffic, making our time efficient and free of the struggles in traffic, while when we are already low in battery we then to be more timid and we lessen our maneuvering into a minimum, intended to just get to where you are going
D.3 Battery Comparison
Battery comparison. Both battery shows a relative voltage lost which is 1 volt per day, It is constant and relative to the discharging of battery. However as you can refer to the table there are some difference.
Gel Type Battery
First, the speed of the unit, in the gel type max speed is only 30kph, as the voltage of the battery goes down, the speed trickles from 30kph to 29kph, it trickles constantly from day 2 up to day 3, however in day 4 up to day 6 it’s does not trickle but an automatic drop on speed. The speed of the unit trickles and is not stable. Also on the discharge of the battery per voltage, from day 1 up to the day 2 it trickles from 49v to 48v then 48v to 47v, however on day 3 to day 5 it retains its constant discharge but it continues to trickle. In the end the battery only lasted 5 days and a few km in the end. Based on the performance of the gel type battery this is acceptable since the specification of the gel type battery is constant to the actual performance that we expect to see.
Graphene Battery
As for the graphene on Day 1 to day 6 it has a constant discharge of battery from 1 volt per day, Constant speed per day. Constant discharge per day. Also the distance per day is the same per day. Because of the graphene technology put into the battery, the different variables are constant. It has equal and stable discharge but still retains the speed and the distance to be travelled be achieve.
E. Conclusion
Based on actual test of the both the gel type battery and graphene battery. The new graphene enhanced battery is much better in terms of retaining of charge, discharge, performance and range. Because it has the ability to retain much of the charge or we can say storage of charge, it has a longer life use per charge. This gives us the opportunity to use our e-bike much longer between charges. With this also due to the technology of gel type battery combine with the graphene technology. The discharge is constant every time you use your e-bike, unlike other batteries (besides the Life4Po) the technology that is put into the battery is working its intended purpose. Constant discharge and no trickling of the discharge gives your ride a smooth and worry free atmosphere without worrying about the sudden jolt or lost of power. Since the higher “AH” it give our e-bike more range.
Bottom line the new graphene battery has more capacity to retain its charge, gives constant discharge everytime you ride, and with these characteristics it give the e-bike more range.
F. Recommendation
If you are using a SLA or a Gel Type battery and owned an e-bike with less than 50kph like the models phoenix types, mini eagle types, nova stypes or mini tk’s & 3 wheeled e-bikes. It is better to change to graphene batteries both for power and range. If you are thinking of replacing your old battery or just upgrading this is the battery to get. I have not included the higher e-bikes here that’s has a speed of 60kph above since those e-bikes needs more power and suggest to get the lithium batteries or Life4Po batteries.
Thank you all for reading this review. I hope I have contributed in my small way on reviewing one of the most promising item in the market that have an impact in our e-biking life. Recommendations and comments are open and welcome for this review. With the release of this battery the future is bright for the e-bike community in this county. We all hope that better things are up in the horizon.
Wear a Helmet, Obey Traffic Rules, Share the Road, Drive Safely and keep on E-biking…..
Review of Chilwee Graphene Battery
For Ebikers Philippines Group
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