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When you spin a motor, it generates an electric current. This will turn another motor if the circuit is connected. What I propose is to turn several motors by foot power and connect their cables to motors driving the wheels of a small vehicle. This is not a solution to modern passenger vehicles, it
would be more apt for go-carts. With this design you can create a 4wd vehicle without complicated drivetrains or heavy batteries.
Something's missing
http://www.northrup...r-missing-petal.JPG
[normzone, Jun 09 2009]
[link]
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If I were going to build a 4wd, pedal powered go cart, and not use a conventional drivetrain, I'd use a hydraulic system, since there are smaller conversion losses than with an electrical system. |
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The pedals would connect to a variable displacement hydraulic pump, and each of the wheels would be powered by it's own hydraulic motor. |
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// hydraulic system, since there are smaller conversion losses than with an electrical system// |
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Really? DC motors can go to high 90's %. Rotary hydraulic equipment require large radiators to keep cool. In my experiance, hydraulic drives lend themselves to low speed/high torque applications, where efficiency isn't as important as robustness, and large service intervals. Is anyone using high speed hydraulic drivetrains? (they probably are, but I don't know about it...). ? |
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I thought this would be a way to increase solar panel space on a car by the opening of "petals" to increase solar power generation area when parked. |
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//without complicated drivetrains// - so use a simple drivetrain, like on a bicycle.
The 'petals' unfold to form a rigid sail to allow wind-assisted travel. A good idea, although you should be mindful of the hazards of tacking in heavy traffic. |
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//I don't understand what this has to do with petals// |
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<shouts>Petal to the medal!</shouts> |
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OK. So I can't spell very well. I'll fix the post. |
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I realize that gas power would be a lot more efficient, but it costs money that I don't have. I do however have legs that I can use whenever I have free time. You ask why I would want a 4wd go-cart, well, the origional idea was to create a small tank type go-cart, but I haven't come up with an easy and cheap way to make the treads. |
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have you considered using stray dogs instead of children to power the vehicle? |
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Rummages around.... Dear me, my "puppy mill" idea is down again... |
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Put simply, a mechanical drive train is going to be more efficient for any human powered vehicle than an electrical drive train. |
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The closest match to a pedal powered go-cart is a fully faired recumbent tricycle or quadrycycle, and those can reach ~90% efficiency even with a geared drive train. You'll lose more than that just carrying the extra weight in the motors/generators, to say nothing of the electrical conversion efficiency. |
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