BTW I just bought my first $4 gas for the dirt bike. anyway they say many DC motors can also be run as generators, so theres an option. It seems to me that one problem is matching genset output to battery input in the most efficient way. Since your drive system is going to be 36V minimum, and likely 72V or more, and since batteries are DC, you might want to match the genset to the pack or more properly to the charger. OTOH I think it would be quick and easy to use an off-the-shelf genset that produces 120V AC and dump that into your 120V AC charger. Of the many things I don't know is how much energy is wasted by the conversion from AC to DC, and 120V to 72V. Another thing I don't know is the relative generation efficiency comparing automotive alternators and off-the-shelf gensets.
I have been watching for ways to clean up the genset motor, which will be necessary if you goal is to get greener. Even with CARB stickers and much lower fuel use, they are quite a bit dirtier than autos. Your interest may be strictly tinkering and fuel economy? Understanding that the cheapest thing for you to do is nothing at all. ;>) just not as much fun as tinkering.... john Andrew wrote: ... But with gas > approaching $4 even I cringe filling up the tank. ... > > I was thinking along the lines of a modified alt. with the voltage reg > replaced to output 60 or so volts. I know some alts can produce in the > neighborhood of 100+ amps. What would be interesting is an electric start > gas engine that could be cycled on and off as demand required. > > If anything, it's still something I'd like to tinker with, even if I only > used it for local jaunts. > > Andrew > >
