Homemade diesel-electric platform truck

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around a homemade diesel-electric conversion of a platform truck that was originally battery-powered. Participants explore the technical aspects of the conversion, including the performance of the diesel engine and generators, as well as potential applications and issues related to fuel efficiency.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes their diesel-electric conversion, detailing the components including a 30hp diesel engine and two generators.
  • Another participant questions whether the conversion is intended for fun or practical use, noting concerns about fuel consumption compared to mechanical transmissions.
  • A participant expresses uncertainty about the fuel efficiency of the setup, suggesting it may be higher than expected or indicative of an issue with the engine or electrical components.
  • One suggestion is made to inspect the brushes on the electrical side of the system, potentially indicating a troubleshooting approach.
  • Another participant mentions that diesel-electric transmissions are generally considered more economical than mechanical ones, but raises concerns about the mismatch in power outputs between the diesel engine and the electric motor.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the efficiency of the diesel-electric setup, with some suggesting it may not be performing as expected while others reference general principles of diesel-electric efficiency. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specific performance issues and the intended use of the truck.

Contextual Notes

Participants note potential discrepancies in power output and operational efficiency, but do not resolve the underlying assumptions or technical details related to the diesel and electric components.

Honey Badger
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Hi, this is my diesel-electric conversion for what was a battery only powered platform truck. Its got a 30hp diesel engine, a 6 Kw DC generator, and another 6 Kw AC generator. One thing to point out is that I'm running it only with the generators, no batteries.
Here's some pics of it:

Diesel and 3-phase generator
2013-05-14 12.22.02.jpg

2013-05-14 12.22.24.jpg


2013-05-14 12.24.43.jpg


2014-12-14 10.05.41.jpg

DC generator in front of the engine
2014-12-14 10.06.28.jpg


Video:
 

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Just for fun? Or are you going to put it to work?
 
Bystander said:
Just for fun? Or are you going to put it to work?

I want to build a dump bed for it, but it's not so ideal to make it a work vehicle. This diesel-electric setup burns a lot of fuel compared to a mechanical transmission. I don't know if that's normal, or it might be something wrong with the engine or with the electrical side...
 
Take a look at the brushes on the electrical end of things.
 
Bystander said:
Take a look at the brushes on the electrical end of things.

Interestingly, it says that diesel-electric transmission is more economical than the mechanical one. I may got the diesel-generator-motor combination wrong. Not taking to consideration the fact that the AC generator is making peak power @1500 rpm, while the diesel makes peak torque at a little over 1500 revs. Also, there's a huge difference between the diesel output and the electric motor output, (the e-motor has 7 hp while the diesel has 30).
 

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