Jan 29
Jan 20
Something to consider if you want BMS for 160Ah batteries: http://www.evworks.com.au/index.php?product=BMS-CM160-V6
These are more robust and compact than the Blade BMS. Battery management hardware is also available from their re-vamped website.
And other stuff now available for EV switcheable shifters (as many EV converters are removing the gearbox altogether):
http://www.canev.com/KitsComp/Components/Shifter.html
And remember the Chevy Volt? More news:
http://news.drive.com.au/drive/motor-news/first-drive-chevrolet-volt-20100115-maj1.html
Related Posts
Jan 07
I know many of you liked the Nut Rider 80s retro electronic instrument cluster. All those LEDs looked cool and would have gone nicely with my retro 80s ham gear. But there was simply no decent geography to put in a decent visible-easy battery gauge. Having run out of money and deciding not to get the Curtis digital gauge (also for reasons of accuracy with the LiIons) I cheaped out and bought a cheap voltmeter at a hamfest trash and treasure. Not quite the same thing but at least I can see the voltage at a glance and analog meters are much better on the eye than a LED bar graph that flickers (I know, one can adjust the refresh timing).
Thing is, and what I like about the Starion analog instrument cluster, is that it’s symmetrical and easy to read. What’s more, the old turbo gauge diameter is nearly the same as the voltmeter I got. I built this into the instrument cluster during the holiday break. I’ll consider LED illumination when time permits but not fussed about it for now. I’ve got a shunt for a smaller ammeter to go somewhere, haven’t decided where yet. Also got some neat face plate replacements.
Re-volting? I like it.
As the car is now registered and on the road, I must now pay attention to interior trim which is pretty shoddy in places. And some folks who helped me on the car didn’t consider the finish and some panels were damaged. Lucky me I have spares!
Fun Stuff
Here’s a neat concept in reducing gas consumption: Boat Tail on Car
Lots of rear-view restriction blind spots of course – but could be a clear plastic, ha hah.
And still in holiday mode despite lots of work to dive into, a digression out of pure entertainment’s sake: http://www.docstoc.com/docs/14294813/Avatar-Scriptment-by–James-Cameron
And yes, let’s hope 2010 gets off to a flying start: http://yuneec.co.uk/
Tinkering, always tinkering.
Related Posts
Dec 17
As usual, the shiba-inu of EV development at Toyota is evident in their next incarnation of the Prius (pron; ‘pry-arse’), i.e., the puppy is a little more mature. Article below.
And did someone mentioned ‘lease’? Will we ever learn? Toyota execs need a 144vdc plugin up their collective proverbials.
“Despite earlier statements from top Toyota executives in the United States that the plug-in hybrid is a dog that doesn’t hunt, the company now plans to start selling them in 2012. The Toyota plug-in hybrid is a version of the Prius with greater battery capacity and wall-charging capability. It can travel 14.5 miles on batteries only.”
Uhuh.
*
…While 100% competitor EVs charge ahead*
Now here’s a breath of fresh air…
http://www.themotorreport.com.au/38743/nissan-leaf-electric-vehicle-revealed-coming-to-australia-in-2012/
And on that note, and feeling rather flat and desperately needy of a recharge, I’ll bid you all Happy Holidays and an interesting 2010.
Related Posts
Dec 02
Yes, a number 4 Finish but a winner in so many other ways! While this is belated praise following the World Solar Challenge (due to me wrangling over steering rack issues in my car), I thought it worth mentioning seeing as they made an appearance in the December 09 issue of Silicon Chip magazine. Tokai Challenger was the overall winner, finishing almost a day in front of the rest, but the IVy result was a darn good one considering the much talk-about competition from the Brits were left way behind, along with other competitors.
Silicon Chip magazine has all the details, or see an excerpt here:
http://www.siliconchip.com.au/A_111771/cms/article.html
Well done team!
The IVy uses home brew A300 silicon cells with significant improvements over other silicon cells. There’s plenty of solar cell improvements happening out there, spurned on by a need for better efficiency and by the rising costs of silicon cells (we know silicon’s cheap and abundant, but global increased demand for the stuff is affecting panel prices). One improvement is to slice the silicon into strip wafers and separate them, i.e., use less silicon on the same surface area, spaced apart instead of covering the entire panel. Use of a polymer overlay is then applied in such a way to scatter/spread the light across the silicon strips resulting in marginally-reduced efficiency but for far less silicon cost.
Related Posts
Nov 04
Nov 02
Like last year, a good turn up and assortment of EV eye-candy was to be had for one and all and the Thunderskys are holding out well as expected with few reports of any issues with them in performance, range or charging. Some guys from my R&D group turned up, some friends from the ham radio club, plus the usual media parades and wannabe media parades as the cameras clicked and rolled while the EVs rolled out for a spin.
Nathan's Sparky, smart as ever.
Many came to ask lots of questions, excited after reading the news about the long distance Tesla run on a single charge, (see http://blog.internode.on.net/2009/10/28/we-did-i/).
Notable technology changes this year since last? Nope; but then we all know that an EV can be built from stuff that’s been around for decades. Of course there’s always new battery developments happening, and this really helps the EV cause. Despite some more AC conversions whizzing about, DC is still popular due to availability and cost. This will change over time. I’ve put up some photos in this post below (hi-res ones to come later).
Related Posts
Oct 26
There is much competition out there in Battery Universe and it would be nice if some sort of serenity could be found, ideally at the pinnacle of efficient lightweight battery technology. Firefly are promoting their new composite foam/lead oxide batteries. I’ll save the ramble and comments, here’s the link; what do you think?
http://www.fireflyenergy.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=204&Itemid=89
And here’s a 100% snake-oil product, but as colleague here said, the user reviews are gold…
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=110-439&vReviewShow=1&vReviewRand=2818820
Related Posts
Oct 12
And speaking of fun, and a lot of dedication, here’s a few photos from the Sunswift IVy launch, compliments Michael Blennerhassett. More info on this from the links provided thereafter.
Related Posts
Oct 12
There are a few more on YT out there too – have fun!
