Lucas depot for electrics
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LUCAS'S purpose-built Electric Vehicle Service Unit is a world first.
The facilities at Acton, West London, are initially intended to be used by 25 Lucas vehicles involved in a three-year assessment programme, which has been framed to gain operational and development experience.
With a growth of electric vehicle in operation Lucas envisages that the unit could become the forerunner of a new type of service garage.
The unit is divided into two sections to handle testing and monitoring requirements. A floor area of 250sqm (2,700sqft) has been coated with an acid-resistant epoxy finish and the glazed partition separating the battery area from the workshop area allows the mechanics working on high-voltage battery packs to be seen at all times.
Smoke and heat detectors and carbon dioxide hose reels have been installed rather than the conventional water sprinkler type of fire prevention system. The building has also been specially wired to provide the power required for maintenance and charging operations. An air lock has been installed separating the unit from a conventional vehicle garage situated alongside.
The work area consists of five test stands in the battery section, constructed to contain a vehicle battery pack comprising 36 six-volt units. A ventilation hood on each stand ensures that there is no local build-up of gas.
At regular intervals the performance of the battery packs is evaluated using a charge and discharge test and the results are monitored using a data logging system.
A "hover pallet" system using hovercraft principles facilitates removal and replacement of the battery packs which weigh about 1,000kg (2,2001b).
Much of the equipment could be found in many conventional garages, but in addition there is a sink for acid disposal and a shower cubicle with an automatic shower in case of an acid accident.
The stores section carries such spares as control systems, axles, meters, choppers, heaters, fans and chargers so that in the event of a breakdown, the complete unit may be exchanged and the faulty part returned to the Lucas headquarters in Birmingham for thorough examination.