How to find out the right DC motor

AI Thread Summary
To determine the appropriate DC motor for a vehicle traveling 100 miles at a minimum speed of 55 mph with a total load of 600 kg, it's essential to calculate the total power required, considering factors like aerodynamic drag, rolling resistance, and drivetrain losses. The power needed to maintain 55 mph on level ground is approximately 25 HP, with an additional 25% power margin recommended for acceleration. The formula for power is Power = Torque x radian speed, and maximum power output for DC motors occurs at half their no-load RPM. Calculating rolling resistance involves using the coefficient of rolling resistance, vehicle mass, and gravity. For precise calculations, additional resources and references are suggested for further guidance.
slick123
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Hi guys, I am a bit confuse on how to calculate the power of the motor, the torque and the speed of the motor shaft + how to find out the rpm. Basically, i want to buy a motor which will be able to travel 100miles with a min speed of 55mph and have a total load of the vehicle of 600kg. if someone could please help me with the calculations because I am not sure to start the calculations from. thanks
 
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You would need to figure out the total power it takes to move the car at 55 mph (aerodynamic drag, rolling resistance, drivetrain losses, ...) and to achieve a resonable amount of acceleration. Then you'd probably want a bit of power to spare, perhaps an additional 25%.

DC motors maximum power output occurs at 1/2 their no load (peak) rpm, so you'd need to select a top gear ratio so the motor would be running about 1/2 it's no load rpm at 55 mph or the targeted top speed.
 
so the total power will be Power = Torque x radian speed is that right?? but how do i start the calculation?? it will be a belt drive thou
 
Rolling Resistance: Froll = uroll x M x gravity ,
Where: uroll - is the rolling resistance coefficient. Typical values for the rolling resitance coeffiecient (uroll) range from 0.010 to 0.015
M - is the mass of the vehicle (kg)
gravity - is the force of gravity (9.8 m/s2)

Please what's the formula for the total power it takes to move the car at 55 mph?? thanks
 
This reference should answer your questions. Read the 6-7 pages starting here; its quite clear:
http://www.inference.phy.cam.ac.uk/withouthotair/cA/page_254.shtml

Generally speaking for the rolling resistance and air drag of a sedan traveling at 55mph you'll need ~25HP (mechanical power output from the motor) to maintain that speed on level grade.
 
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Hi
This might help you a bit:
http://www.micromo.com/n390290/n.html
 
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