stoopid (on-topic) question about 120V generators and motors

augidog

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i have a 120V/600W/4.2A gasoline generator. it also has a 12V/8.3 outlet. it's an old mcculloch "power-pac" in great shape, compact but heavy.

i'm thinking "120V motor" but that's about as far as i've gotten with this...

worksman industrial trike
generator & motor in the bed
belt-drive to axle

i think 4.2A isn't much. is this doable? yeah, but is it worth it?
 
I've been toying around with a similar idea. Kind of a bicycle take on the diesel-electric locomotive. Not sure if it's worth it, but it would be neat to try. First I gotta find a trike. (OK first I have to finish my motored bike, then the trike...)
 
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I've also tried to get input on this subject many times but it always seemed as if the interest was not there.
I hope that all the electrical wizards pony up to the bar this time.
I've always wondered about a generator push trailer running a 120 volt motor or having it's 12 volt output charge an electric bike.
With the way some of the frames are built on these generators, you could just mount wheels , or even a driveline to it , along with a hitch and your good to go.
 
hey, some interest!

i've considered charging a bank of batteries, but the overall weight would be too prohibitive, imo...the "diesel-electric" concept is interesting enuff to explore...so, i go looking for what, a 500W motor? or should i go slightly smaller to avoid running out of power?

what's my options if i use the generator to power a 24/36/ or 48V power supply? better motors?

i know this is a crazy idea...the worksman is slated for an "exhibition" build, something crazy fast...if i can't get the results i want with the electric, i do have a 177cc wisconsin-robin.
 
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It should work, it would probably be best connected to a 120VAC motor with no battery. 500W is not a lot but certainly enough to move a bike.
 
Not worth it.


Consider that your generator is really just a combustion engine that turns a shaft that turns a generator.

Imagine removing the electric generator portion for a minute. Nothing but an engine that turns a shaft. Now your goal is to try to find a way to get as much energy from the turning shaft to the rear wheel as possible.

Why not just couple the shaft right to the wheel of the bike?

Having it turn a generator which then turns the wheel puts it through a couple of extra energy-wasting steps, and you still have to come up with a motor and wiring.

The only way adding a "middle-man" between the engine shaft and the wheel would be better than none at all is if it somehow had like 120% efficiency, which isn't possible.




Edit: Then there's the thought that the generator is running at an ideal fixed RPM suited for best fuel consumption as it is.

I don't know if this is true or not, but if it were run with the generator part removed there wouldn't be any throttle control.
And adding a throttle would defeat the point of having that "sweet spot" RPM for fuel consumption.

Maybe with the right gearing and a clutch, you could ride it as a constant RPM engine assist.
 
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we have joked around about a trike zooming by at 30mph, the generator at a smooth "idle"....that would turn some heads, alright.

efficiency is not a factor, it was the novelty that got us thinking...if we can't get some crazy performance outta it, it won't be worth it...noone up here in their right-mind would dismantle a good generator, we have enuff outages to make it a necessity.

thanks for the input :cool:
 
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Give it a try, there are a lot of old 120VAC motors to be scrounged, weedwhackers, washing machines, ...
 
augi.... I vote, give it a shot.
keep thinking ...locomotive... produce 110v. to a 110v. motor.... gear it right & go!!
Leave the naysayers in the dust!!
Not worth it.


Consider that your generator is really just a combustion engine that turns a shaft that turns a generator.

Imagine removing the electric generator portion for a minute. Nothing but an engine that turns a shaft. Now your goal is to try to find a way to get as much energy from the turning shaft to the rear wheel as possible.

Why not just couple the shaft right to the wheel of the bike?

Having it turn a generator which then turns the wheel puts it through a couple of extra energy-wasting steps, and you still have to come up with a motor and wiring.

The only way adding a "middle-man" between the engine shaft and the wheel would be better than none at all is if it somehow had like 120% efficiency, which isn't possible.




Edit: Then there's the thought that the generator is running at an ideal fixed RPM suited for best fuel consumption as it is.

I don't know if this is true or not, but if it were run with the generator part removed there wouldn't be any throttle control.
And adding a throttle would defeat the point of having that "sweet spot" RPM for fuel consumption.

Maybe with the right gearing and a clutch, you could ride it as a constant RPM engine assist.
 
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