Generator Powered Cars?

Question

Ok my question is if it is possible to run a locomotive with electric engines powered by a diesel generator why can't we do the same for cars?

We already know that the 0-60 for an electric motor is better than a gasoline. This is because an electric motor can hit its top RPM much faster. So wouldn't creating this car be a substantial improvement?

Also as a side note while I was in the service my MOS was in communications which require me to maintain a generator to power my shelter. That ten gallon diesel generator could run for a day without being refilled.

Answer 1

Great question, and the answer is we can, and will.  The new chevy Volt concept does just this.  It is an electric car that uses an electric motor and batteries for use up to 40 miles.  And after that it uses a generator powered by gas/e85/.ect to create the power for the electric motor.  And even if you just run on the gas genirator you will get around 60 mpg.  It is a great idea and I am sure that it is going to be a hit.

Answer 2

Locomotives operate in just this way and create a monster powerhouse. I just don't know what it would do in a car to have a generator to run an electric motor or motors and have an engine in the car to run the generator. The locomotive probably operates this way for just the reason you say: Peak power on command. Seems like this would be a lot of weight and may require more fuel to get the same amount of power.

The engineers who are trying to go this route use a small engine to run a generator to charge batteries to run motors.

As far as I know this system only allows 100 miles before the system needs to be charged.

I think that if they could have done what you say they would have.

Get your drafting pencil out and prove it can be done and you will make a fortune.

Answer 3

there were several company's making this type of car between 1899 & 1920, to see one in operation watch the "1916 owen magnetic" on Jay Lenos garage.com.

the advantage back then was they didnt have to have a transmission or clutch so there were no gears to shift.. the disadvantage naturally was they used more fuel because of the power loss between the generator & the electric motors.

it's good that your doing some thinking on this subject,but you need to study power transmission losses such as how big an engine is required to run a generator that powers an 80 hp electric motor.

Answer 4

There is just one problem with your idea. It take 1 hp of a generators to generate 1 hp on an electric motor. This all equals to o gain.

Answer 5

Large off-highway mining trucks run in this same manner as well.

But its really not all that different than the hybrids used now...some minor differences, but the end result is much the same.

Answer 6

It is.

this is the principle of the GM Volt and the tZero long ranger trailer http://www.acpropulsion.com/tzero

The problen is carrying the weight of the generator, hence the trailer is a better option if you rarely need to go further than 200 miles before stopping for a 10 minute charge.

Locamotives usually travel long distances with large loads at constant speed, ie less wastefull acceleration, so the on-board generator is less of an overhead.

Answer 7

VW is supposed to be coming out with a diesel hybrid version of their Golf in a couple of years. It may not be too different from what you have in mind.

Answer 8

I think that would work.  That's the concept of the Volt.  On generator power you should be able to get 75 mpg.  Add the plug in option and you should get 150 mpg until the battery gets low then the generator kicks on.  Now they should move the Volt tech to normal looking cars and mini vans.

Answer 9

I have said this for years.  It is now being done, and you should be able to purchase just such a vehicle within the year.  Aptera is making one, along with a pure electric version.

It will beat all the mainstream automakers to the market.