(Theoretical) Repurposing of electric elevator motor

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the feasibility of repurposing an electric elevator motor to power a 7-ton vehicle in a scavenged, pre-1950 setting. The key takeaway is that an electric motor with a power range of 5hp to 200hp can effectively move such a vehicle, provided it is paired with a suitable gear reduction system. The discussion emphasizes that while the motor's horsepower is critical, the speed achievable will vary based on the motor's specifications. The author encourages creative liberties in the narrative while maintaining realistic engineering principles.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic understanding of electric motor specifications and horsepower ratings
  • Knowledge of gear reduction systems and their role in vehicle propulsion
  • Familiarity with scavenging techniques for mechanical components
  • Awareness of historical electric motor designs prior to 1950
NEXT STEPS
  • Research electric motor types and specifications from pre-1950 designs
  • Explore gear reduction mechanisms suitable for heavy vehicles
  • Investigate techniques for scavenging and repurposing industrial motors
  • Learn about the principles of electric vehicle propulsion and load management
USEFUL FOR

Writers, engineers, and hobbyists interested in electric vehicle design, historical technology enthusiasts, and anyone looking to create realistic narratives involving mechanical engineering concepts.

Benson2104
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Greetings,

I am writing a Fan Fiction for someone and had a technical question. I like to do as much research as possible and have my "work" be as accurate/realistic as possible, so here I am. I know this might not be the place to ask it, but if you know of any place more suitable I wouldn't mind you pointing me in the right direction =)

Okay, getting down to it.
I need one of my characters to build an electric vehicle, but he/she is under some restrictions.
1) The setting does not allow for store purchases, everything has to be scavenged.
2) Anything used in the construction needs to have existed pre-1950.

What I was thinking was repurposing a scavenged electric elevator motor from a building (Do not worry about how they will remove/transport it) to drive what will be roughly a 7 tonne vehicle, excluding load and the motor itself. Luckily, the setting provides convenient (and very strong) power sources. I know the motor in question doesn't work on the principle I'm proposing, but it's the only thing I can think of with more or less the power required for the size of the vehicle I have in mind and also meets with the restrictions. Could this be done? Keeping in mind I only have basic knowledge of electrical engineering (10 minutes on Wikipedia =P): How? What tools and/or additional components would be needed to get it done?


Additional notes:
1) I won't be able to read / reply to any inquiries for a few days, don't have internet at home.
2) No, this is not how I write when I'm serious =P
3) I usually ask questions like this, then figure it out a while later myself, look back and think: That was a stupid question. Here's hoping its not one of those cases.
 
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Working under the assumption you have access to electricity, and assuming the character "scavenges" the gear reduction while he is "scavenging" the electric motor there is technically no reason a 5hp to 200hp electric motor could not move a 7 ton vehicle, though you aren't going to get it moving very fast with motors from the low end of the range. A 35hp tractor can move some incredible loads, and the source of the horsepower (electric vs ICE) is unimportant.

So, you can write about the elevator motor w/o fear of improbability, just make sure the HP and the speed are "reasonable".

Fish
 

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