Quote:
Originally Posted by MazdaMatt
Are you sure that i can't BE a braking system? If it can slow the car, what limitation is there from slowing the car harder?
|
The amperage-handling capability of the motor/controller, and a place to stick the generated electricity. A motor and controller can only regen the amount of power that it puts out (i.e. 500 amps at 48 volts), and you'll have the same heat issues as if you were powering the motor at that amperage. 500 amps at 48 volts = 24kW or 32 hp. Essentially, you'll decelerate at the same rate that 32 hp would accelerate the car.
Again, then you'll need a resistor grid (like diesel-electric locomotives) to bleed off the excess amps as heat so you don't overcharge the batteries if they're almost full.