Under load, the motor runs for about 1-2 seconds, and then stops for 4-5 seconds, then repeats this cycle.
When I don't use full throttle going up hills and on the flat, the motor does not cut out.
After reading other posts, I think the problem relates to the battery capacity.
I may need to get another set and connect them in parallel to get 14.4AH?
Egga,
It sounds like one of three options to me:
- The batteries are not able to maintain a high enough voltage under load and the Low Voltage Cutout (LVC) is doing it's job.
- The batteries are able to maintain a high enough voltage under load but the battery cables are too thin to deliver it to the speed controller.
or
- The speed controller has built in overload protection which is cutting out because of excessive current.
I'm inclined to go with the battery capacity, as three 12V, 7.2AH deep cycle AGM batteries may not be able to deliver enough power for the 36V/500W motor under full load.
The easiest way to confirm this is to connect a voltmeter across the speed controller where the battery supply leads connect and slowly apply load until the motor cuts out.
If the voltage is pulled down to around
31.5 Volts (10.5Volts/battery) just before it cuts out, then it will be the LVC doing it's job.
(Either batteries or cables are not good enough)In order to diagnose further, reconnect the voltmeter directly across each battery in turn and test again
(Taking a note of the reading obtained for each battery).
- If the voltage goes down to around 10.5 Volts on all of the batteries, then the batteries are not able to supply the required power. (Another set in parallel will definitely help)
- If the voltage is significantly higher than 10.5 Volts at each of the batteries, then the cables are not able to carry the required current and will need upgrading.
- If one battery reading is significantly lower than the other two, it would indicate an undercharged or faulty battery.
(Fully recharge batteries and test again to confirm)Alan