Paul & Sabrina's cheap DIY 144v motor controller - Page 619 - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

camosoul · 06-26-2013, 04:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by duncan

Hi Camosoul
Not so much a float as an anchor!
A series hybrid is bad news
Each time you convert energy the gods of engineering take a bite
Diesel - power 30%
Power - road 90%
Total - 27%

Serial Hybrid
Diesel - power 30%
Power - electricity 85%
electricity - power 85%
Power - road 90%
Total - 19.5%

I'm more than aware of the conversion losses. It's not what I'm after.

It's a point that's hard to drive in the electric car community, they just don't listen... My goal is different from everyone else's goal. I'm not trying to be zero emissions. I'm not trying to swing a big eco ego around. I want a better drive system powered by an engine(s) that create redundancy and are easier to work on.

I don't care if it's LESS fuel efficient. I want a drive train that is more reliable, and a motive force provider that doesn't make the car worthless if it breaks.

Modular. Redundant. Ready for batteries to grow up.

I'd like to add more pack as I can afford it and maybe get it to where I can drive 75 miles without the gens. Something I can build up. If I have to drop 30 grand just to get to town, it's not going to happen. I'm not rich. But, if I can do it one step at a time while having the benefits of redundancy and easy repairs that don't shut the vehicle down completely. The phrase "my car broke down" becomes "my car is slower but still works until I fix it."

So I kinda lied a little. I do want a greener, more efficient vehicle, but I know I can't get there all at once. I'm trying to do the part that has value to me up front, and add to it as I can. If some real battery ever happens, I'll be more than happy to dump the gens for it.

I don't want an engine problem to screw me. A gen can fall down and I can still drive. I can fix it really easy. A pure battery electric simply can't deliver what I need. I'm looking for something halfway in between.

As a counterpoint, you're comparing apples with apples. a huge engine producing only 25HP as it cruises along at 55mph is wasteful in dragging the whole massive friction/displacement contraption that it is along for the ride. 3 400cc engines running in their most efficient range is better than one engine that is an order of magnitude larger running nowhere near it's efficiency range.

I expect it to be a wash efficiency-wise. But, to carry the advantages of modularity, redundancy, maint, repair, etc... That whole list of stuff that's better than what the car companies would like to sell me but I don't want.

I didn't mean to hijack... But when the typical doesn't listen, skewed logic argument presents, as it always does in electric car forums... I'm forced to re-iterate until someone actually reads what I'm typing...

duncan · 06-26-2013, 07:20 AM

Hi Camosoul

It won't be "a wash" - it will be terrible!

If you want bulletproof and reliable it is difficult (impossible) to beat a good old diesel drive system

For your goal
I want a better drive system powered by an engine(s) that create redundancy and are easier to work on

Diesel pickup with a generator on the back

a huge engine producing only 25HP as it cruises along at 55mph is wasteful in dragging the whole massive friction/displacement contraption that it is along for the ride. 3 400cc engines running in their most efficient range is better than one engine that is an order of magnitude larger running nowhere near it's efficiency range.

Unfortunately that is NOT the case - a six liter diesel like a Cummins at 25Hp will be MORE efficient than a 400cc generator engine

The efficiency drop with a diesel on part load is much much less than the drop with a petrol (gasoline) engine

Now then if your goal is to mess about with electric propulsion because its fun -
then I am with you
But it won't be;
Cheaper, more efficient, more reliable

It can be great fun and totally different and your baby

If that is what you want - these guys can help you produce something awesome

bennelson · 06-26-2013, 08:59 AM

Camosoul,

Start a new thread in either the Hybrids or Fossil-Fuel Free forums about your idea.

I've played around with a hybrid design, and can at least help get you started.

MPaulHolmes · 06-26-2013, 03:58 PM

Let the record show that I don't ever care if anything is on topic or not. haha. I'm not really in charge of anything though, but I just thought I'd say that. I also just got done a 80kw buck converter with a DC input for my solar array to charge my batteries. MPPT! Oh man that MPPT part was hard! My brain is still hurting from the part when you have to say "keep going the same way until the current output gets smaller". haha.

Now for some off topic things... Also, it's going to be 122 F on friday! I have those 6 600v 600amp igbts for a DC controller. I think I Need two more (tumor). Dang it, that was sort of on topic...

You can use the MPPT charger as a controller for your car if you want to. Um... That's it. Also! my chickens love to be petted. Then I read about how they lay eggs better if you pet them. Then I read that roosters sort of rub them like that, then I felt disturbed by the whole thing. I was probably turning on some chickens outside. LOL.

duncan · 06-26-2013, 09:37 PM

Also, it's going to be 122 F on friday!

Its snowing here!

MPaulHolmes · 06-27-2013, 01:52 PM

So... It must be 122 celcius if it's snowing (jk). No way that could be fereignheight I have no idea how to spell that.

Edit: Lame! Now it's supposed to only be 119. I can work outside all day with no water in that.

Edit again: I got the whole thing together except for 2 lugs, which I ran out of. I ordered more from Ebay. Just tested the pwm output. Everything is a go... I repeat... everything is a snow..... since it's snowing in New Zealand. Also, Duncan, be careful not to get eaten by a Mauri.

-Paul