I'm all for doing mods. A Prius can get over 100mpg when modded.
I've offered an answer to chris question; the power-steering to motor assist mod it just isn't worth it the effort. Adding a 5th wheel electric drive is my suggestion, can be hidden between the two rear wheels, not ugly tacked on the back like the van pic.
Lighten up the car in a big way would net more gain than a little electric motor assist.
My opinions, do what you want with them, they were free...
Quote:
Originally Posted by chrisoverson
Thanks  it seems you understand my mindset here! lol.
Ok, so I'd probably want to keep the alternator yes, but I could set up a switching system to disconnect it (freely spinning it will hardly consume anything) when cruising or gliding, then reconnect under breaking, low battery voltage or on-demand when I tell it to.
If I put on a motor in place of the power steering pump which I think is the best place for it, then I suppose all I need is to stick a pulley on the end of the motor and bolt it in place. That's the easy part... now how to control it?
Forgetting the wiring, battery power and motor drivers for the minute, I can worry about those later... how should the motor actually perform its task? Should it be made to spin at the same speed the engine is trying to drive it... or slightly quicker? That's the bit I'm not too clear on...
Edit: I have seen an alternator being used as a motor before, could any alternator be converted to perform this task? There is a company near me that refurbishes and rebuilds them, they could perhaps make up one that could do the trick. |