Homemade Diesel-Electric Hybrid

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  • Thread starter Thread starter DrewGerhan
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of converting a mid-90s Ford Ranger into a diesel-electric hybrid vehicle. Participants explore various aspects of the design, including the choice of diesel engine, electric motor, generator, battery requirements, and overall system configuration.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests using a small diesel engine coupled with an electric generator, questioning the number of batteries needed for the system.
  • Another participant estimates a battery capacity requirement of 1.5-8kWh, depending on various factors, and inquires about battery chemistry preferences and lifespan.
  • A different participant expresses openness to battery chemistry options but highlights the importance of long life cycles and asks about the useful life of different battery types.
  • One participant proposes that a clutch and transmission may not be necessary if a suitable electric motor is found, suggesting a direct coupling to the driveshaft with an electric motor controller.
  • Concerns are raised about the cost of the motor and generator, noting that a 100 hp diesel engine would require a similarly powered generator and motor, which could be prohibitively expensive for a DIY project.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on the design elements, battery requirements, and cost implications, indicating that multiple competing views remain and the discussion is unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge that many factors influence the feasibility of the design, including battery chemistry, lifespan, and the cost of components, but do not resolve these complexities.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in DIY vehicle modifications, hybrid technology, or alternative fuel systems may find this discussion relevant.

DrewGerhan
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First, I'm not looking for an exact number here or anything like that. More just bouncing ideas around and talking out loud.

Say you have a mid 90s Ford Ranger with a manual transmission. You remove the original motor and get some type of small diesel engine (Kubota, VW, Mercedes, 4BT Cummins) and install it coupled with a suitable electric generator. Depending on size, the motor/generator combo could be mounted behind the cab in a custom made enclosure. The electric motor would be coupled to the manual transmission and a suitable flywheel and clutch system. Diesel engine fueling would depend on electrical load and the electric motor rpm would be controlled by a suitable controller.

My only question is, roughly how many batteries would be needed in a system like this? Would it need a lot or just a few? The plan would be to have the diesel engine running 100% of the time the truck is moving.

Like I said, there are a lot of different factors here and I'm not looking for an exact answer. Just trying to see if it is a feasible design.
 
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I would say anywhere from 1.5-8kWh depending on many factors. What type of chemistry would you prefer and how long do you want them to live?
 
As far as chemistry goes, I'm really open to anything. I feel a standard deep cycle would be cheapest/easiest but not necessarily the best choice.

As far as life cycle, obviously long is better. What is the useful life of some options?
 
I don't think you would even need a clutch/transmission any more if you found a suitable electric motor, you would just couple it directly to the driveshaft and use an electric vehicle motor controller. What kind of motor are you proposing using? How much power?

I'm thinking the motor and generator would be a real problem based on cost. Say you have a 100 hp (75 kW) diesel engine, that means you also need a 100 hp generator (alternator?) and 100 hp motor. The cost of these items would be prohibitive for a "home-brew" diesel-electric vehicle.
 

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