Ingineer
Well-known member
Guys:
This is my trailer. It's a dual-mode combination Range Extender and also a mobile CHAdeMO quick-charger.
It's a 30kW Capstone Microturbine. It's not an Aircraft APU. It has air bearings, 40,000 hour life, and 1 moving part. The emission profile is cleaner than almost all other ICE motors. It is configured to run on Propane, but can run on most any fuel.
I am not using a Manzanita Micro charger for CHAdeMO. The Capstone has a dual-inverter (triple in some configurations) architecture, that has 2 inverters back-to-back. The output inverter is controlled my a custom microcontroller based system that allows interface either to the Leaf directly while driving, or to a CHAdeMO equipped EV while parked. It does not bypass any safety systems anywhere, and uses the CHAdeMO protocol properly to charge the vehicle (parked only).
While underway, the range extension function basically provides traction power for the Leaf indefinitely, and can also add charge to a depleted pack. It does not bypass any of the Leaf's safety systems or the Battery Management system. The GOM (Guess-O-Meter) seems to even be able to somewhat figure it out. As you drive and the range extender provides power, the SOC doesn't drop, so your range stays high. It is intended to be operated only on long highway trips, as it would not be efficient at low power levels.
The whole trailer as shown configured in the picture weighs under 500lbs.
It is not currently for sale, it's still under development. It's a proof-of-concept system.
Yes, I had to make a custom trailer hitch to connect it to the Leaf. No, I will not sell the hitches or provide plans, kits, etc.
Any other questions? =)
If you are local to the Bay Area and wish to see it, I hope to bringing it to San Jose this Saturday to the combined BayLEAFs and EAA meetings.
-Phil
This is my trailer. It's a dual-mode combination Range Extender and also a mobile CHAdeMO quick-charger.
It's a 30kW Capstone Microturbine. It's not an Aircraft APU. It has air bearings, 40,000 hour life, and 1 moving part. The emission profile is cleaner than almost all other ICE motors. It is configured to run on Propane, but can run on most any fuel.
I am not using a Manzanita Micro charger for CHAdeMO. The Capstone has a dual-inverter (triple in some configurations) architecture, that has 2 inverters back-to-back. The output inverter is controlled my a custom microcontroller based system that allows interface either to the Leaf directly while driving, or to a CHAdeMO equipped EV while parked. It does not bypass any safety systems anywhere, and uses the CHAdeMO protocol properly to charge the vehicle (parked only).
While underway, the range extension function basically provides traction power for the Leaf indefinitely, and can also add charge to a depleted pack. It does not bypass any of the Leaf's safety systems or the Battery Management system. The GOM (Guess-O-Meter) seems to even be able to somewhat figure it out. As you drive and the range extender provides power, the SOC doesn't drop, so your range stays high. It is intended to be operated only on long highway trips, as it would not be efficient at low power levels.
The whole trailer as shown configured in the picture weighs under 500lbs.
It is not currently for sale, it's still under development. It's a proof-of-concept system.
Yes, I had to make a custom trailer hitch to connect it to the Leaf. No, I will not sell the hitches or provide plans, kits, etc.
Any other questions? =)
If you are local to the Bay Area and wish to see it, I hope to bringing it to San Jose this Saturday to the combined BayLEAFs and EAA meetings.
-Phil