A person has many assessments to make when deciding whether to use an AC or DC motor when doing an electric vehicle conversion. Both have features and issues to consider when choosing. Which will fit the bill better for you? Here are some points to assist in the decision.
What are the meanings of AC and DC?
The meaning of AC is alternating current and the meaning of DC is direct current. The majority of commercially manufactured hybrid or electric vehicles make use of an AC motor, which has the advantage of being lighter than a DC motor.
Additionally, an AC motor has the capability of providing a charge to the battery, as the vehicle slows down, if it is fitted with the proper equipment. It does this by generating a current, as it spins, and passes that current back to the battery pack.
When an AC motor takes advantage of this function it is called regenerative braking, the very motor that powers the car can be utilized to reduce its speed. AC motors are very expensive to purchase, which is the reason most builders choose DC motors.
Some additional cost reducing, considerations are:
– Because electric motors only have a single moving part, opposed to a gas or diesel engine that has 100’s, they can remain in good working order for a very long time.
– Another feature that contributes to their long life is that they generate almost no heat, so they do not need any cooling, and since no parts rub or scrape together, it does not require any lubrication.
These are some of the reasons DC motors allow builders to save considerable amounts of money, if they are purchased used. A very compelling variable when choosing these motors is, that since there is so little that can go wrong, there is a much higher probability of getting many years of worry free use.
In regards to motor size, take weight into consideration, the lighter the better. A completed vehicle has a higher degree of practicality and usability if it is lighter.
Overcapacity is one thing that contributes heavily to the potential weight of the motor, exercise care when considering if this is something that would add enough value to make it worth the extra weight. In addition, the size of the motor has a direct correlation to the amount of batteries required in the storage bank.
Batteries add weight as well. The equilibrium between range and performance, versus weight of the motor, is a decision that deserves a considerable amount of thought. To make the proper calculations read the conversion plans for the required information. The right decision will save a lot of anguish down the road.
Deficiencies in speed and range are very difficult to rectify after completing the build, so spend the time to focus on an ideally balanced motor selection. Do it yourself (DIY) electric vehicle conversion projects offer a great degree of fulfillment.
Especially when a person uses the best motor for the job. All in all, it helps the environment, pays much less than they would if they bought off the showroom floor, and motoring costs, in the long term, are much lower.