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MTSU Students Retrofit Hub Motors (Converting an Accord into a plug-in Hybrid)

Here's an interesting approach to converting a front wheel drive Accord to a hybrid by adding hub motors to the existing rear drum brake:

Students Help Develop Plug-In Hybrid Retrofit Kit

http://c1gas2org.wpengine.netdna-cdn...wheelmotor.jpg

EDIT added by Darin: MTSU news article - Students push Perry’s gas-saving project to next level

Nice, but what about the added unsprung weight ?

Yes, the unsprung weight is increased, but if it gets 50-100% better FE, then that is good!

A hub motor is very efficient -- no losses in gears or other friction; and you can get very effective regenerative braking, too.

...curiousity question: how good are they at "collecting" metal debris off the roadway while driving?

HUMOR, HUMOR, people!

Very cool. Thanks for posting that, Neil.

Here's a detailed video explaining/demonstrating it:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOA_i2qAQq0

Added a link to an article from the school about the project: http://mtsunews.com/wheel-hub-retrofit-update/

Looks like they intend to try to commercialize the kit:

Quote:

Perry said they have reached what industry insiders call “the valley of death” as they try to transfer the project’s technology from the laboratory to a commercial product. “We have gained proof of concept in terms of feasibility,” he said. “We need quite a bit of money to have proof of product.

What we’ve achieved is a demonstrated technology, not a proven technology. Investors want to see proven field-tested performance and reliability. We have to pass through this transition, from feasibility to true, viable product.”

Perry, who had 40 patents in a 28-year career with IBM before coming to MTSU, said a manufacturing partner has stepped forward “and is totally committed to us” and will accompany him to anticipated upcoming presentations.

Looks very interesting and I'd like to see more.

I would like to note a few things though. First, the way the magnets are oriented to the coils. If I had to guess (I'm no motor engineer), I'd say that a setup like that is not going to be as efficient as a standard motor. Second, I've looked at using motors with no reduction gearing. You have to really oversize the motor in order to get decent acceleration. It does keep things simple though.

This is a pretty good idea. Wish I would have thought of it :mad:

Don't worry- Porsche thought of it about 110 years ago.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frank Lee (Post 319025)

Don't worry- Porsche thought of it about 110 years ago.

+1 Frank:

http://photos.stuttcars.info/upload/...ht-porsche.jpg

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Tele man (Post 318903)

...curiousity question: how good are they at "collecting" metal debris off the roadway while driving?

That is going to be a long term issue and as I understand it is part of why ABS brakes have costly repairs, their wheel speed sensors tend to be magnets that collect metallic grit.
I know people who have made huge composite magnets by collecting metallic grit off roads, it can be a big issue and one of the reasons I don't like wheel hub motors.

With that said, they seem to have a slick design that fits a common car.