Has anyone bothered calculating the breakeven point for when higher voltage could actually lead to longer run times?
Let me give a few constraints for my application and why I ask the question...
- 660grams max weight (give or take)
- 14.8v-22.2v (4s,5s,6s)
- $240 usd max per pack
- Losi 8ight-t (tekno v3)
Here is the thing.. how many watt hours is needed to counteract some additional weight. Keep in mind heat is not an issue with any of the voltages and all setups will be geared for around 42mph.
A 4s 5000mAH 30c pack weighs in at 528 grams, a 5s 5000mAH 30c pack weighs in at 660grams (my max allowable)
The 4s 30c pack is about 2220 watt/hr
The 5s 30c pack is about 2775 watt/hr
The question is; how can I calculate the loss from the additional weight to see if there is any net gain in run time? 132grams is quite a bit more weight, so not only do you have more amp pulls for the entire pack but you will most likely cause more damage over time while racing due to the added weight (part wear). That and the higher cost, already have the 5s not looking as good. The 6s due to the weight limitations will be around 4000mAH thus making it equal to the 5s setup so there is no real gains (that is assuming a 30c pack). A 25c pack would be equal to the 4s 5000mAH pack in watt/hrs but would actually have less run time due to the added weight making it a very bad choice expecially considering the cost and would actually yeild the least amount of run time of any of my choices.
Thoughts?