Post Comp 25' Considerations
This is a short summary of some issues we found needed addressing after Comp 2025 and how we plan on fixing them next year.
Cells
Cells might have gotten too hot — could be bad thermistors, but either way the thermistor data shows a clear upward trend, meaning we ran hotter than we’d like
Tim pointed out we’re drawing a much higher percentage of the discharge rating than before
Might be worth switching to cells with higher continuous discharge ratings
Conclusion:
8p36s configuration with molicel p50b best for longevity of future packs. This way there is no need to change s,p configuration considering extremely high discharge current and max voltage of MC.
Re-test thermistors to confirm accuracy or buy new ones
Second Story
Some boards have odd bases and inconsistent enclosures
We should work with electrical to design one proper enclosure that fits everything
This would let us move the battery pack contactors up to the second story
Would also free up more space for better cell layout, leaving only fuse with the cells
Cleaner wire harnessing becomes easier with one shared structure
Conclusion:
Make the electrical assembly plate/box easily removable
Ask electrical for a full wiring schematic of the assembly to plan out wiring harnessing
Two-StoryModule Design
Module compression needs to be more reliable — more screws or better retention
Thermistors need defined placement, possibly inside the cell holders
Make voltage taps more accessible
Improve general wiring management
Maybe include wire clips in railing designUse Amphenol connectors to avoid relying on direct busbar connections
Machine modules from Delrin for higher flexural modulus
Testing
Plan timeline to include testing for next year. We don't want to be assembling the modules for the first time during June
Get full discharge/charge curves to better estimate SOC starting on current pack and ideally on next pack before ASC 2026
Get a better cell tester to fully characterize next cells