Just another tadpole - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

Chromedome · 08-07-2011, 11:01 PM

I, like many others on here am building a single seat tadpole trike and have some questions perhaps you folks could help with.

My trike will be fully enclosed and have a clear canopy on top. It will be pretty much a blatant copy of the Ecotec Lakester, but with three wheels. I'm concerned about high temps inside during the summer months and want to build an ice chest air conditioner. I plan on using a Lifan 200 cc engine, and don't know if the charging system will be up to running a pump and fan on top of the lights and ignition.

Am I stuck with running an extra battery (deep cycle) and charging it each night?

Also, if any of you have any ideas on using engine heat to provide heat for the drivers compartment, please let me know.

The remainder of my parts should be in this week and I will start welding next weekend and will post pics and updates.

PeterS · 08-08-2011, 01:01 AM

You need this page .Lots of relevant info .

The Recumbent Bicycle and Human Powered Vehicle Information Center

Chromedome · 08-08-2011, 07:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeterS

You need this page .Lots of relevant info .

The Recumbent Bicycle and Human Powered Vehicle Information Center

Been through that site, not really a lot of information on motorcycle charging systems......

PeterS · 08-08-2011, 08:34 AM

No you're right but here is some good stuff on NASA vents and how to stay cool in a aero recumbent while pedalling flat out ! It could be quite relevant if you think that way .

Chromedome · 08-08-2011, 08:46 AM

Yes, I read that stuff. My understanding is that NACA ducts only work near a body transition, where pressure is high. The body I've designed won't have any transitions.

PeterS · 08-08-2011, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chromedome

Yes, I read that stuff. My understanding is that NACA ducts only work near a body transition, where pressure is high. The body I've designed won't have any transitions.

That's a pity as it's a free air source .I think I'll be using them as cooling air feeds on my diesel bike fairing ..

Do you have a drawing of your fairing /body ?

Chromedome · 08-08-2011, 04:13 PM

This is an approximation using a pic of the Ecotec Lakester and 3 minutes on Paint Shop Pro.

JasonG · 08-08-2011, 06:48 PM

You may want to check NC's seat height laws.
Some places its 24"
Also watch your head light heights. I think 18" is minimum.

Or I could be off my rocker.

PeterS · 08-08-2011, 06:51 PM

Wow

Beautiful ! Would you be able to register that for road use in your State ?
Any idea of the drag coefficient ?

I'd absolutely love to be able to do something like that here .

Chromedome · 08-08-2011, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JasonG

You may want to check NC's seat height laws.
Some places its 24"
Also watch your head light heights. I think 18" is minimum.

Or I could be off my rocker.

Thanks Jason, that will be something to be on the lookout for! If that's the case, maybe I can get it registered as a dune buggy.