Electric 5th Wheel

[trikkonceptz]

I know this topic has been discussed here many times, however I have a question related to it.

Would the added weight of the components (Engine, bracketry,controller & batteries) offset the benefits of being able to power yourself up to 40mph?

I have been planning this mod as the prelude to building an electric vehicle, but considering the modifications to the Vibe I am wondering if it really would be worth while.

I may just skip plan A and go straight to plan B (Electric Car).

[Clev]

Originally Posted by trikkonceptz

I know this topic has been discussed here many times, however I have a question related to it.

Would the added weight of the components (Engine, bracketry,controller & batteries) offset the benefits of being able to power yourself up to 40mph?

I have been planning this mod as the prelude to building an electric vehicle, but considering the modifications to the Vibe I am wondering if it really would be worth while.

I may just skip plan A and go straight to plan B (Electric Car).

Like you, I'm looking at 72V worth of batteries, but I'm thinking more along the lines of an Etek motor belted to the crankshaft. Despite my stop and go driving, I just don't spend enough time under 50 to make an electric wheel safe or useful enough.

If only there was an easy way to eliminate engine compression when I don't need it. I can live with it with my hybrid concept, but having unfettered regen would be better, obviously.

[trikkonceptz]

Originally Posted by Clev

If only there was an easy way to eliminate engine compression when I don't need it. I can live with it with my hybrid concept, but having unfettered regen would be better, obviously.

Um .. I think there is, what about an electric valve system. If your valves were electronically controlled then you could essentially, open both intake and exhaust simultaneously, while shutting off injectors and have no compression for an indefinate amount of time. This is not a new idea, but definately worth mulling around.

[Clev]

I wonder if I went to a VTEC engine, if I could have a VTEC camshaft made with the second set of lobes that would keep all of the valves open all the time. Use a non-VTEC computer that runs the car as normal, and just cut the fuel and manually toggle the VTEC to the "always open" profile?

[Clev]

BTW, sorry for the threadjack. :-)

I think for the 5th wheel, you'd need to think about power. Your three big power options would be:

1. Etek or equivalent, with regen, 48-72V, geared to run up to about 45-50 mph. You'd have to have a retraction mechanism with some kind of automatic sensing; otherwise, the first time you exceeded 50 with the wheel down, you'd self-destruct the engine.

2. Etek or equivalent, with regen, 48-72V, geared to about the fastest you'd take the car (75-80mph?) You'd be able to use it at all speeds, but with that gearing, you'd probably only be able to use it as a hybrid pusher, lest you burn it up leaving from a stop.

3. Larger motor, like an ADC 6.7 or 8", 72+V, geared to the top speed of the car. Much more power from a stop, but no regen and heavier weight.

[trikkonceptz]

I'm happy with my vehicle performance from 40-55mph, this would be used to go from dead stop to 40mph. I was just wondering if for that use is it really worth it?

[Clev]

Originally Posted by trikkonceptz

I'm happy with my vehicle performance from 40-55mph, this would be used to go from dead stop to 40mph. I was just wondering if for that use is it really worth it?

If you mean you want to cruise in the 0 to 40 range without having to fire up the ICE, then I would say yes. If you're just looking for help accelerating, but will drive mostly above 40, go for the belted electric motor. It will help at all engine speeds and gears (as well as act as a powerful starter motor and regenner), and you don't have to worry about retracting the 5th wheel or overspeeding the electric motor.

[Daox]

What controllers have you looked at that are capable of regen Clev?

I'm a fan of connecting the motor to the input shaft of the tranny so you can physically disconnect the engine from the motor input.

[Clev]

The Etek is capable of regen, and they sell it separately as well as packaged with a regen controller. I think Alltrax, Kelly, 4QD and a couple of others make regen controllers for this motor.

I'd love to get a motor between the clutch and transmission, but not sure how I could realistically do that. Seems much easier to use a toothed belt and drive it from the crankshaft, though there are disadvantages there too (like compression braking.)

[Daox]

Here is the original thread that sparked the idea.

http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...-fwd-1605.html