[ausev] OT: Electric energy transfer and storage limitations

[Christopher Robison]

On Thu, 2007-05-17 at 04:12 +0100, John Rumsey wrote:
> Then please point me in the right direction. Everyone
> I have contacted has their own narrow agenda,
> downright purists on that. I am suggesting a variation
> on the plug-in EV by using a portable steam-powered
> generator on some versions to overcome the drawbacks
> of pure EV, just as hybridizing a steam engine with
> electric power can overcome the drawbacks of pure
> steam. The steam buffs think pure steam power is
> perfect, the EV buffs think pure electric is perfect
> and the IC crowd won't listen at all to anyone else.
> There is a niche for EV, but to replace IC cars why
> not combine technologies. I intend to keep trying to
> promote the idea, if not allowed here then please tell
> me where to find these other forums. Thank you.

What you're referring to is a plug-in hybrid, a concept I think most EV
folks embrace. The steam engine instead of an ICE is an interesting
idea, but I don't think you'll find many folks who are interested in the
combination here.

We promote EVs for being efficient, and for being simple. We can build
them ourselves, we can fully understand how they work, and we can repair
them when they break. We have a prime mover with one moving part, we
have just 4 basic components that compose the whole (batteries, motor,
controller, charger) and this simplicity is compelling for a lot of the
people I speak to on the subject.

Like today's hybrid vehicles, plug-in hybrids are *not* simple. You have
the complexity of both systems, plus the system that allows them to
interact. Whether it's a series hybrid (engine driving generator) or a
parallel hybrid (motor assisting engine with mechanical propulsion),
these systems are not something most of us want to build. We consider
plug-in hybrids worth it however, because they can indeed be driven
without consuming gasoline, for a limited distance. Still, I don't think
any one of us would want to actually build one.

However, an ICE/electric plug-in hybrid is currently a possibility, as
the hard work has been done by those producing kits to retrofit a Prius
and hopefully soon other hybrids as well. This is accessible to us.
Building a steam-powered hybrid may gain you a slight efficiency gain (I
honestly do not know) but the additional fabrication and machining
requirement is a lonely road not many would be willing to follow. A lot
of people bristle when you mention picking up a MIG welder -- they just
want to drive an environmentally friendly car.

If you insist on promoting this idea, I think there's only one way to
go.

Build one, document what you've done, make it into a kit that is cheap
enough to justify purchasing in replacement of the gas engine that we
already have to start with when converting a car and in addition to the
considerable expense of the electric powertrain we'll also need, and
then start showing off your creation. In the process, get help and
advice for the steam part from steam-power forums, and the electric part
from us or other EV groups. For combining the two, there may be much
that you will need to pioneer yourself.

I personally would love to see it, and if it were in this area I'd
welcome a steam plug-in hybrid among the EVs we show at our PR events.

  --chris