3 ms·
This says it's 5% less efficient than using a chain? Can that be legit? That seems awfully efficient for the double-conversion that needs to happen from mechani
by the_gastropod 5y ago
This says it's 5% less efficient than using a chain? Can that be legit? That seems awfully efficient for the double-conversion that needs to happen from mechanical => electrical => mechanical.
- foxyv 5y agoModern electric motors and generators are pretty efficient. Just a lot heavier.
- akomtu 5y agoI think the catch is that it'll be getting less efficient with time: those rechargeable batteries love to degrade.
- tonyedgecombe 5y agoThe generator and motor won’t though which is what is effecting the efficiency.
- akomtu 5y agoPerhaps they are a lot less than 95% efficient, then? Otherwise we could install this system into cars and ditch half of the mechanical parts. That would be a revolution.
- tonyedgecombe 5y agoThat is how some trains worked: https://www.cs.mcgill.ca/~rwest/wikispeedia/wpcd/wp/g/Gas_turbine-electric_locomotive.htm https://www.cs.mcgill.ca/~rwest/wikispeedia/wpcd/wp/g/Gas_tu... Also the range extender in the BMW i3: https://discover.bmw.co.uk/help/used/how-does-range-extender-work https://discover.bmw.co.uk/help/used/how-does-range-extender...
- daggersandscars 5y agoThey don't state what chain system they're comparing it to. Given the coverage in the article, their base case may be a three+ wheeled cargo bike with a long / complex chain run. In those cases, a complex chain run results in significant energy loss compared to a regular two-wheeled bicycle. Back when I bicycled, I first noticed this when I added recumbent bicycles / tricycles to my "fleet". The two wheeled recumbent had a long chain and guide wheels. The three wheeled recumbent had a long chain, guide wheels, and guide tubes.