About Dr. Jesse LaPrade Expertise I can answer questions about electrical energy saving features that can be incorporated into present electrical distribution systems. most of these features are purely science based and deal with the elemination of waste inherent in all distribution systems. Natural losses range between 15 and 45 Percent of the total electrical bill and energy use. There is an art involved in the total and integrated treatment of the many different electrical loads encountered in the many different distribution systems.
Experience I am a certified electrical energy consultant, and operate my own company which is Energy Saving Concepts Organization. LLC & ESCO. I am a dealer for Energy Automation Systems Inc. also known as EASI, located in Hendersonville TN. EASI has installed over 80,000 successful energy improvement projects worldwide. You can visit EASI's web-site at www.easistreet.com
Expert: Dr. Jesse LaPrade Date: 11/19/2002 Subject: 12 volt
Question Dear Dr Jesse LaPrade,
thanks for taking the time to answer these questions. I'm not sure if you can help me, but I want to send a 3 amp current from a 12V sealed lead-acid battery approximately 50 metres. It only needs to flow for about 2-3 seconds at a time. I was wondering if increasing the current to 24V by adding another battery would have any real benefit such as increased battery operating time. Would you perhaps have any other suggestions or advice? Basically, I need a current of 3 amps plus to burn out nichrome wire in a model rocket igniter. We use a 12 Volt launch system but I dont think increasing the voltage would do any harm as overloading the wire is the purpose. For good viewing, this igniter needs to be fired from 50-60 metres away, where the battery and controller are. I am looking for getting the longest battery life within these parameters and would appreciate any advice or suggestions you may have.
Thakyou for your time,
Radic
Answer Radic:
I can appreciate your task that you outlined above as I was interested in and participated rocketry with my son several years ago. All were model rockets and we really enjoyed the hobby.
Most 12 volt lead acid batteries will provide much more than 3 amps of current i.e. 60 to 70 amps is common. The voltage really does not affect the amperage of any EMF source, therefore increasing voltage should have no affect on that.
You can deliver more current to the nichrome wire with any battery source by increasing your hook-up wire size, going from a # 16 to 14, for instance.
I really appreciate your interest in Allexperts advice and I hope that these tidbits of information are helpful, and happy recketeering.
