Can a UPS be used to power an RC car? Tips from a Computer Eng student

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of using an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) to power a remote-controlled (RC) electric toy car. Participants explore various aspects including power requirements, battery types, and environmental considerations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the practicality of using a UPS for an RC car, suggesting that it would be more efficient to use a 12V battery instead.
  • Another participant explains that converting power from a 12V battery to 120 or 240 volts results in power loss, primarily as heat, which could reduce battery life.
  • There is a discussion about the environmental impact of different battery types, with one participant expressing a preference for lithium-ion batteries over lead-acid due to concerns about toxicity.
  • Some participants clarify what is meant by UPS, distinguishing between different types of power supplies.
  • A participant expresses urgency in deciding on a career path related to electric vehicle technology, seeking advice on whether to pursue Chemistry or Electrical Engineering.
  • Another participant suggests that Electrical Engineering is the more relevant field for electric vehicle technology, while also noting that UPS systems typically use lead-acid batteries.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best power source for the RC car, as opinions vary regarding the use of UPS versus traditional batteries, and there are differing views on the environmental implications of battery types.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about battery efficiency and environmental impact are not fully explored, and there are unresolved questions regarding the specific requirements for powering the RC car.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to individuals exploring battery technology, environmental impacts of different power sources, and those considering careers in electrical engineering or related fields.

AlexES16
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I want to make an rc electric toy car using a UPS as power suply. It is possible?

Some advices please.
 
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Yes, you probably could do that, but why would you?

UPS's give out 120 volts or 240 volts (depending on where you live) and this is produced from a 12 volt or similar battery.

So, your car would have to run off 120 volts or 240 volts and also carry all the weight of a UPS with it.

It would be better to just run your RC car off a 12 V battery.
 


vk6kro said:
Yes, you probably could do that, but why would you?

UPS's give out 120 volts or 240 volts (depending on where you live) and this is produced from a 12 volt or similar battery.

So, your car would have to run off 120 volts or 240 volts and also carry all the weight of a UPS with it.

It would be better to just run your RC car off a 12 V battery.

Sorry for my ignorance but 120 to 240 volts doesent mean more power?
 


Not necessarily.

If the power is coming from a battery at 12 volts and being converted to 120 or 240 volts, then power is lost in the process. It is lost as heat.
So you end up with less power than if you just ran the motor on 12 volts (assuming it is a 12 volt motor). This means the battery would not last as long if it was being used to produce 120 or 240 volts.

All this depends on the motors being of similar efficiency. There may be some advantage in using a higher voltage motor, but probably not for a toy car.

Real electric hybrid cars like the Prius use a large number of batteries to directly produce high voltage to run a high voltage motor.
 


By UPS, do you mean the things that power your computer when the power goes out (and weigh a friggin ton), or simply the PSU that has +5V and +12V rails (and sometimes -5V or -12V) that operate on 120V AC (wall outlet)?
 


Wetmelon said:
By UPS, do you mean the things that power your computer when the power goes out (and weigh a friggin ton), or simply the PSU that has +5V and +12V rails (and sometimes -5V or -12V) that operate on 120V AC (wall outlet)?

The first one xD
 


The thing is this:

-I totally hate toxic batteries that contain lead,mercury, cadmium etc. . So maybe is better to make a llithium ion rechargeable battery which i think is not that bad for the environment. I was thinking in UPS becouse of that.
 


Hey in which career i could investigate more about electric veichule technolgy
in Chemistry career or Electrical Engineering? Please is urgent i only left 1 month to decide career xD
 


AlexES16 said:
The thing is this:

-I totally hate toxic batteries that contain lead,mercury, cadmium etc. . So maybe is better to make a llithium ion rechargeable battery which i think is not that bad for the environment. I was thinking in UPS becouse of that.

Lead metal gets bad publicity it probably doesn't deserve.
I would be more worried about the Sulfuric Acid in Lead Acid batteries. Lead metal is not really a problem as it takes centuries to oxidise to Lead salts in the atmosphere and it is not toxic as a metal.
Long before that happens, the lead could be recycled. It is too useful and scarce to be allowed to decompose in land fill.

I know of some lead lettering on a gravestone and it has hardly changed in 40 years, so it isn't really a hazard to anyone.Can't (and shouldn't) try to advise you on a career. You would need a counsellor to consider your progress so far and what you really want to do.
 
Last edited:
  • #10


AlexES16 said:
Hey in which career i could investigate more about electric veichule technolgy
in Chemistry career or Electrical Engineering? Please is urgent i only left 1 month to decide career xD

Electrical Vehicle Technology? Almost certainly EE. Unless you want something specific like the photovoltaic cell design, which I wanted to do (in Chemistry) at one point.A UPS contains a Lead-Acid Battery. Not a lithium-ion (or at least the ones I have seen). a 9.6V Lithium Ion, regulated to 12V? would probably be an effective means of powering your RC car :)
 
  • #11


Wetmelon said:
Electrical Vehicle Technology? Almost certainly EE. Unless you want something specific like the photovoltaic cell design, which I wanted to do (in Chemistry) at one point.


A UPS contains a Lead-Acid Battery. Not a lithium-ion (or at least the ones I have seen). a 9.6V Lithium Ion, regulated to 12V? would probably be an effective means of powering your RC car :)

Are you a chemist?
 
  • #12


AlexES16 said:
Are you a chemist?

Nope, Computer Eng student >.> Haven't started 2nd year though, heh...
 

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