[EV2323]

Originally Posted by subcooledheatpump

I have an extended van (8000 LBS) with a 30 HP 3 phase motor in it, works great (apart from it needs a replacement controller)

Wow, awesome. So it really is possible. Since doing it AC depends on getting a controller, this makes me ask: How are those expensive EV AC motors, that are paired with expensive EV AC controllers, different from the standard industrial 3 phase motor (besides a $300 vs $7000 price tag)?

Originally Posted by subcooledheatpump

You won't be able to stall a DC motor, and you won't be able to spin one as fast.

What do you mean by stall (not a bad thing)? And what is limiting the rpm in a DC?

Thanks

[subcooledheatpump]

You cannot stall a DC motor ( 0 RPM) with full current applied) the brushes will burn/melt.

The brushes also limit the maximum speed

"Made for EV" AC motors are wound or rewound for a lower voltage, something like 200 volts whereas an industrial AC motor would need a battery voltage of atleast 340 volts DC. The controllers are often waterproof and liquid cooled units whereas industrial ones are air cooled with big heavy heatsinks, and EV controllers are setup for use in a car rather than a constant load.

Whats more the motors may be made with low loss laminations so they can work at higher speeds without wasting energy due to things like eddy current losses (think induction heater) The motors may also be liquid cooled, therefore making them smaller and lighther.

My van did work very well for about 1 year with my modified industrial controller, but I'm in the process of making a new controller for it. It also of course had the industrial motor, but it's 400 lbs. It is possible but not easy