ZombieVerter VCU

[freebeard]

Via Hacker News: openinverter.org/wiki/ZombieVerter_VCU

Introduction
Modern EV conversion projects often look to reuse salvaged parts from wrecked vehicles, such as the motors, batteries and chargers.

The issue is that each of these components and manufacturers, use different methods of control and communication.

Developing controllers for these devices is complex, and time consuming and often require very dedicated communication protocols. Instead of making custom boards for every part that's been decoded, why not just make a general purpose VCU (vehicle control unit) with a verity of different types of inputs and outputs?

Introducing: the "ZombieVerter" VCU - a general purpose EV conversion VCU.
With a large array of inputs/outputs, control logic, and a web interface for configuration and data logging. The ZombieVerter is a powerful, flexible and customizable VCU well suited for EV conversions.

It's also an open source project!

The ZombieVerter supports popular salvaged EV parts such as:
Nissan Leaf components
Mitsubishi Outlander hybrid components
Toyota and Lexus hybrid components
CHAdeMO and CCS DC fast charging
and more!

This would make my Lexus electric axle actually useable.

I don't see any mention of Tesla pieces and parts.

[Piotrsko]

Hard to get and modify tesla stuff for not tesla use. Or at least so far over on DIY ELECTRIC CARS.

[freebeard]

OEM Tesla is overkill in a light-weight vehicle. My Lexus axle is underpowered (68HP), but has an oil cooling option.



Finishing out the 36HP boxer and the electric axle would probably cost about the same.

[Piotrsko]

Figure 2large for the controller and battery / electronic wiring. So depending on requirements would be cheaper to finish block

[freebeard]

I had an opportunity five or ten years ago to get a complete 36HP engine for $250 for the crank, rods and engine tin. I forget why it never happened but the mechanic passed on and the whole boneyard is probably gone.

I hope to get an idea of current prices at the NW Bug- Run on 30 May.

The advantage seen in the ZombieVerter is that is more than a motor controller. When I got the electric axle, I had hopes for the Open Revolt controller from here.

[Sprione5]

Real-time performance and safety: Automotive systems require deterministic, real-time responses for critical functions like braking and steering. General-purpose hardware cannot guarantee the strict timing requirements and fault tolerance needed for safety-critical (ASIL-rated) systems in the same way purpose-built, verified, and validated hardware can.

[freebeard]

Thanks for bumping the thread. I'm currently looking to sell that motor, I can pass the info on.

Nevertheless, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automotive_Safety_Integrity_Level indicates a level QM that would apply here.

Referring to "Quality Management", the QM level means that all assessed risks are tolerable from a safety perspective (even if the manufacturer might want to address them from a customer satisfaction perspective, for example make sure the vehicle starts). So, safety assurance controls are unnecessary and standard quality management processes are sufficient for development

Regen is adjacent to braking, but doesn't overlap.

[Piotrsko]

Originally Posted by freebeard

Regen is adjacent to braking, but doesn't overlap.

Yup, limitation is tire traction. Only advantage to regen is you're not decelerating while heating the brake pads, there is SOME energy return, about akin to downshifting on the northbound grapevine