Apr
29
2010
Plug Bug: AC vs DC
I initially was going to use a DC motor, but now I’m leaning towards AC. This website has a lot of great information on AC vs DC:
http://www.cameronsoftware.com/ev/EV_DriveType.html
Those are all good points, but I’ll add some more I found:
* Regenerative braking. I have quite a few hills by my house and I want this benefit.
* Better motor efficiency
The Warp 9 (what I was considering using) has this performance graph:
In general, never better than 80% efficient. Better efficiency is better range!
Consider the AC-50 motor from Thunderstruck Motors. It has up to 94% efficiency and it is in the higher RPM range (better for my transmission, which will produce higher RPMS).
Also, another great read about AC motors on the Metric Mind website.
Very informative and complete write up on AC motors. It is a tough decision!