C/M Cold Start Packs. Purpose

 

C/M CYPRESS MOTOR SPORTS

Cold Start Packs. Purpose. Modern block heater 

A simple 7.2 Volt powered micro-pack or better option in contact size acts with a cold start blower to engage internal components. External micro-heat pumps to warm components 

A third party battery starter or plug in effect can assist for -50 C (Celcius) temperatures or lower (C not F) yet likely are not required for above -50. Calgary - Edmonton & Fort McMurray - Fort McKay frigidity on cold days (Arctic Cold) unlike +20-45 C summers between storms & Earthquake or other Natural not man-made events. Hail storms & tornados included 

Energy country has nice cold-dry air & erratic weather with mountains & rivers - lakes (Sydney Nicola Bennett prefers it in Canada first then Pacific Coast). Southern Ontario & Southern Okanagan if not Vancouver have mild winters only 

KINECTIC & HYDROGEN VEHICLES 

Similarities to EV Battery Electric 

Electric vehicles (EVs) use specialized heating components to manage cold starts, as they lack the waste heat produced by internal combustion engines. To combat reduced battery efficiency and cold cabins in sub-zero temperatures, EVs utilize heat pumps and positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heaters, alongside battery thermal management systems (BTMS) that keep the battery pack at an optimal temperature.

Key Heating Components

• Heat Pumps: More energy-efficient than resistive heating, heat pumps transfer heat from the outside air into the cabin, acting like a reverse air conditioner. They are crucial for maintaining range in winter.

Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) Heaters: These are electric heating elements, similar to a toaster, that provide immediate warm air into the cabin. They are less efficient than heat pumps but effective in extreme cold.

Battery Thermal Management System (BTMS): These systems use liquid coolant heaters to heat the battery pack, ensuring efficient charging and power output.

Seat and Steering Wheel Warmers: These provide direct, efficient heat to passengers, using less energy than cabin HVAC systems. 

Cold Start Procedures & Techniques

• Preconditioning: The most effective method is using the vehicle's app to warm the cabin and battery while the car is plugged into the grid. This saves battery power for driving.

Keep Plugged In: Keeping the EV plugged in during extreme cold protects battery health and allows for preconditioning without draining the battery.

Slow Driving Start: A gentle, slow start allows the battery pack to heat up evenly, reducing stress on the electrical components.

Reduced Charging Speeds: Charging speeds will likely be lower in cold temperatures, particularly at DC fast-charging stations. 

Winter Performance Impacts

• Reduced Range: EVs can lose approximately 25% or more of their range in freezing temperatures due to higher electricity consumption for heating the battery and cabin.

Lowered Power Output: In extreme cold, the maximum power output from the battery to the motor might be temporarily limited until the battery reaches an appropriate temperature. 

Best Practices

• Use seat/steering wheel heaters instead of maximum cabin heating to preserve range.Avoid letting the battery drop to a very low state of charge in freezing conditions.Set cabin heat to a moderate temperature.If available, use navigation to guide the car to a fast-charger, which helps the car pre-warm the battery for faster charging. 

C/M do not experience reduced range in cold temperatures or over extreme heat like EV's yet operate slower until warmed up in frigid temperatures taking 1-3 minutes on average as moving parts cannot work if frozen regardless 

COOLANTS - LIKE EV MOTOR COOLING 

Heat - air for climate not electronically or drive features 

Electric vehicles (EVs) utilize advanced thermal management systems that use specialized liquid coolants to manage the heat of batteries, electric motors, and power electronics. Unlike internal combustion engines, these systems often serve a dual purpose, cooling components during high performance and heating them during cold weather, often connected to the cabin HVAC system. 

Key Aspects of EV Coolants

• Composition: Most EVs use water-based, ethylene-glycol or propylene-glycol coolants, similar to traditional antifreeze but specially formulated for electric powertrains.

Low Conductivity: EV coolants often need to have low electrical conductivity to prevent short circuits if a leak occurs near high-voltage components.

Types: Common types include Si-OAT (Organic Additive Technology with silicate) for superior protection and specialized low-conductivity fluids.

Purpose: These fluids protect batteries from excessive heat (which causes degradation) and ensure they stay within optimal temperature ranges for charging and driving. 

Heating and Cooling Functions

• Battery Cooling: Coolant flows through channels or plates (often with aluminum fins for conduction) to absorb heat from the battery pack and transfer it to a radiator or chiller.

Cabin Heating/Cooling: Many EVs use a "heat pump" system, which reverses the flow of refrigerant to move heat from the outside air or battery into the cabin.

PTC Liquid Heater: A positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heater is frequently used to warm the coolant, which then circulates to heat the cabin and the battery pack during winter.

Thermal Efficiency: Modern, integrated systems allow heat from electronics to be reused to warm the battery, increasing overall range. 

Maintenance and Considerations.

Long-Lasting: EV coolant typically lasts much longer than in traditional cars, sometimes not requiring service for 100,000+ miles, but it is not "set and forget".

Specialized Service: Because these systems are sealed and use specialized fluids, they often require professional service to avoid damaging components or voiding warranties.

Common Product Options:MotoMaster EV/Hybrid Premixed Coolant: Specialized for EV cooling needs, protects to -37°C.OEM Concentrated Anti-Freeze/Coolant: Suitable for various hybrid/electric models (BMW, Mercedes, etc.).Prestone Universal 50/50: Compatible with many systems. 

Always consult the vehicle owner's manual for specific coolant requirements, as using the wrong type can be hazardous.

CYPRESS MOTOR SPORTS