GBS cell smell question

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85turbo
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GBS cell smell question

Post by 85turbo »

Hello.

I need some advice.

As some of you might know, I've been converting my car to plug in hybrid for a while.
I have the cells now mounted in the car and I'm about ready for the final hook up.

But, I have a bad solvent smell in the car.
When I go to the garage in the afternoon to head off to work, there is a strong sweet solvent
Type smell inside the car.

The cells have never been charged and are currently just in single cells sitting in the box.
The smell appears to be coming from the vent caps. All appear to be fully seated.

Does anyone here have any experience with the GBS 40ah cell ?
Is this a normal behaviour for new cells ?

I haven't had any experience with these cells before, only the CALB 40ah and they had zero smell.

The car has 76x GBS40ah cells.

I'm not sure if I should continue the wiring up of cells and BMS now, or if I should investigate further.

Any advice greatfully accepted.

Jason.
2006 Prius plug in conversion
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Adverse Effects
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GBS cell smell question

Post by Adverse Effects »

solvent should never vent unless the cell is under stress/duress past its build spec's

so if there leaking and not even hooked up there is something wrong with them
85turbo
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GBS cell smell question

Post by 85turbo »

That's what I was afraid of.

These are brand new cells never used.
They have been mounted into the box, but nothing else.

Jason.
2006 Prius plug in conversion
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evric
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GBS cell smell question

Post by evric »

If the cells are just sitting there, there should not be any smell coming from them, they (or some of them) must have faulty valves.

I have not used GBS cells but have had experience with Thundersky, Calb and Winston cells.
Last edited by evric on Sun, 19 Mar 2017, 17:20, edited 1 time in total.
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85turbo
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GBS cell smell question

Post by 85turbo »

I have emailed Rod at EV-Power to ask for his input here.

I sure hope I don't have to return them all.
The cost and time would be not good.

Jason.
2006 Prius plug in conversion
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jonescg
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GBS cell smell question

Post by jonescg »

When you first open a box of GBS cells they usually smell strongly of solvent.
It's unusual for them to continue to smell like this after too long though.
If all cells still have a voltage of 3.2 volts at rest they are probably fine.
Worst case there is a single cell with excessive venting which may need to be replaced. Proceed with the project and keep an eye on them I say.
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Johny
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GBS cell smell question

Post by Johny »

Jason, have the cells been exposed to temperatures in the 30s or near 40 degrees C?
If they are in an enclosed space - which you later opened up even a small amount of solvent venting would smell pretty strong.
I'd test all the open circuit voltages and if they look fine - they probably are.
85turbo
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GBS cell smell question

Post by 85turbo »

thanks for the advice.

the car was parked up in 30c sun for a few hours after the cells were first installed.

i think i will go ahead and measure them again, and if they are all in the 3.2v range, i will go ahead and hook them up, keeping a very close eye on them.

Jason.
2006 Prius plug in conversion
antiscab
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GBS cell smell question

Post by antiscab »

All the cells I have ever owned have given off that smell when put in an enclosed space. It doesn't take much of the solvent to seep out before we can smell it.

I'd just proceed with the conversion

The upside is it can be mistaken for new car smell
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85turbo
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GBS cell smell question

Post by 85turbo »

Thanks heaps for the advice and reassurance.
I aim to have the system up and running this weekend.
Weather permitting. I have only a carport to work under,
So the rain might play a role in what gets completed this weekend.

I am really looking forward to driving the car in EV mode.

Thanks again.

Jason.
2006 Prius plug in conversion
Peter C in Canberra
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Re: GBS cell smell question

Post by Peter C in Canberra »

My ancient (2009) Thundersky LiFePO4 cells have a bit of smell on a hot day but they are still working fine after more than 8 years and about 55,000km, albeit with 25% loss of capacity in the least strong cell.
Daihatsu charade conversion 2009-18, Mitsubishi iMiEV 2013-2019, Holden Volt 2018-2019, Hyundai Kona 2019-2023, Hyundai Ioniq 5 2023-present on the ACT's 100% renewable electricity.
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