Date:         Mon, 16 Mar 2009 12:20:28 -0400
Reply-To:     Allan Streib <streib@CS.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Allan Streib <streib@CS.INDIANA.EDU>
Subject:      Re: eBus project: A T2 Westfalia converted with electric motor
              and LiIon batteries.
Comments: To: Greg Potts <greg@POTTSFAMILY.CA>
In-Reply-To:  <49BE706C.6050008@pottsfamily.ca> (Greg Potts's message of "Mon\,
              16 Mar 2009 11\:29\:48 -0400")
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Greg Potts <greg@POTTSFAMILY.CA> writes:

> I once did a comparison once between the energy input from a solar
> panel and the requirements of a 50HP electric motor. With one HP = 746
> watts, it takes a LOT of solar power to move a vehicle the size of a
> westy.
>
> IF you could get by with a 50HP motor to push your vehicle I would
> expect about 25-30 minutes of operation for each WEEK spent charging
> the batteries. If you factor in the losses created by the aerodynamic
> drag caused by the solar panel it would probably come out equal.

I don't remember the details, but HP of an electric motor is rated
differently from an internal combustion engine.  A 50HP electric motor
would likely be adequate; it's actually carting an adequate power source
around that is the issue.


Allan
--
1991 Vanagon GL