1997 EV1 Traction Battery t-pack Thermal Modifications
Upgrade / Retofit to '99 EV1 t-pack Thermal Fan System
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The '97 & '99 model year EV1s had very few differences; however, one
varience was the battery t-pack thermal cooling design.
The '97's air cooling system operated with a rear mounted fan
feeding ambient air into the rear PS (passanger side) corner of the t-pack,
exiting the t-pack via vent holes in both the 1) rear DS (driver's side)
corner, and, 2) the front of the t-pack. This design only provided ambient
air cooling to the t-pack regardless of the outside temperature. If it was too cold
outside, then the fans would simple not operate, if too warm, the
fans would push air at their maximum rate to attempt to cool the t-pack. This
was a poor design at best and the '97 EV1's regularly suffered battery
pack overheating further stressing the already marginal
battery modules to failure.
The '99 EV1's design made a number of improvements, but
did not go far enough to control the heating and cooling of the t-pack.
This system reversed the airflow from preserization to suction, pulled air out
of the rear center of the t-pack, and drew air into the t-pack from the
1) rear DS corner, 2) rear PS corner, and, 3) front of the t-pack. Along with that
ambient air, the EV1's cabin A/C & Heat pump was vented into the t-pack to
provide mechanical cooling and heating, although only from the front
of the t-pack. This was certainly an improvement, but was more of a
bandaid then a true redesgin of the overall system.
To improve the collections survivor EV1, and maintain the highest possible
degree of originality, we have chosen to add
the '99's suction system to the mix, but have left the A/C & Heat pump in
its original '97 configuration. Below are a few pictures
of the airflow modifications we have made to enhance one of
our t-pack's airflow.