Charging Question

[ceege]

Hello ecomodders!

I'm new and was wondering if I could get some advice on a project.

Project details:

Series Hybrid Tour Boat-
turbo r-12x jetski engine
warp9 motor
12-14 48V50A Lifepo4 batteries

The requirements for this boat is to run on the electric motor for the 4 hour downstream tour, and then use the gas engine to get back upstream in an hour. It has to make 2 consecutive tours.

The plan is to charge the batteries off the engine's alternator. Perhaps with a voltage booster in between the alternator and batteries.

This is where I need advice.
1) Does this sound remotely feasible?
2) I'm a bit hazy on my recharging fundamentals... is it correct that Voltage input needs to be higher than that of the battery pack it's charging, and Amperage is proportional to charging time up to a certain max amperage(3C)?
3) Anyone know where to find high quality, high output alternators?

Sorry for the list of questions, I've tried searching and haven't found the answers yet.

[Daox]

Lemme be useful first.

1) Yep
2) Yep
3) Dunno

If the purpose of this hybridizing is to save on gas, you can't use the engine to recharge the battery. You'll use even more gas this way.

[ceege]

The purpose is focused more on a quieter tour experience. Also on proof of concept. Anyone ever heard of an alternator producing ~30kW?

[Ryland]

30kw out of an alternator? sure, but they tend to be on top of wind turbine towers and weigh hundreds of pounds, you are going to need an engine that is putting out around 45-50hp to turn that alternator as well.

[bwilson4web]

Originally Posted by ceege

. . .
The requirements for this boat is to run on the electric motor for the 4 hour downstream tour, and then use the gas engine to get back upstream in an hour. It has to make 2 consecutive tours.

The plan is to charge the batteries off the engine's alternator. Perhaps with a voltage booster in between the alternator and batteries.

This is where I need advice.
1) Does this sound remotely feasible?
2) I'm a bit hazy on my recharging fundamentals... is it correct that Voltage input needs to be higher than that of the battery pack it's charging, and Amperage is proportional to charging time up to a certain max amperage(3C)?
3) Anyone know where to find high quality, high output alternators?

Sorry for the list of questions, I've tried searching and haven't found the answers yet.

You might consider starting with an existing power plant and series-parallel hybrid drive:

Specifications of an NHW11 engine and drive system:

• 52 kW (70 hp)
• 33 kW (44 hp) electric motor

The parts are available from Ebay but the control electronics will be a little tricky. They also have catalytic converter exhausts available so you won't be choking up the air on the river. For example, Ebay items:

390107196393 - transaxle
320048244146 - engine
370275265383 - inverter electronics
310133488258 - maintenance manuals

You also have the option of upgrading to an NHW20 drive system with a little more power. Fuel consumption will be impressive with either system.

GOOD LUCK!
Bob Wilson