This is third piece of translated Finnish project blogs just in case some of our foreign readers would like to have updated info about the project proceedings.
(Hei puuhamiehet! Jos nimenne tai tekstinne käyttäminen tässä ei ole mielestänne soveliasta, laittakaa viestiä joko wikin kautta tai ecars-listalle niin säädän tätä. - Hey activists! If you think your name or text isn't appropriate to use in here, send me a message by wiki or ecars-list and I will tweak this - Murska)
Week 49 update
The mechanics is rolling, then electronics and user interface (JanneK 1.12.2008)
Last Sunday some measurements were taken and there's now a cloud of points in the 3D-section of the Finnish site. Based on a wood model and cardboard piece measurements at least 40 Ah of batteries will fit easily under the Corolla's hood. All components are now modeled so everyone with 3D skills can have a computer party and try to fit the needed pieces under the hood.
Some viewpoints that surfaced from the discussions:
- one large battery pack is better than many smaller ones. One reason is keeping the cell temperatures as identical as possible.
- the motor can be tilted forward or standing up against the firewall for larger connected space in front of it
The mechanics work will continue in electronic form for the following weeks until the motor installation brackets are drawn and the motor arrives to Finland.
The eECU (electric engine controller unit) group will have a meeting with the GUI (graphical user interface) group.
At the workshop there was a demo of the eECU proto board that was talking nicely to the GUI and motor controller.
Re: The mechanics is rolling, then electronics and user interface (JanneK 1.12.2008)
The idea is to use 110 ferrite cells that have nominal voltage of 3.2V.
110*3.2*40 = 14.08 kWh (nominal capacity). Take 80% of that because ferrite cell capacity drops quickly to that level and then another 80% which reserves something to prevent driving the batteries completely empty. That leaves 9 kWh of usable energy.
The actual production car is supposed to use larger batteries, some out-of-the-sleeve numbers are 60 and 90 Ah, but the final decision will be made when the first car moves and the real consumption will be measured.
Re: The mechanics is rolling, then electronics and user interface (anon 1.12.2008)
Quick calculation: if battery pack of 40 Ah gives real capacity of 9 kWh, 90 Ah pack will give 20 kWh capacity.
Sounds really optimistic because range of 150 km won't happen even if the car consumes only 15 kWh per 100 km.
Re: The mechanics is rolling, then electronics and user interface (Vikke Hyvonen 1.12.2008)
The pics from Azure shows that the motor kit can be installed only +/- 15 degrees from horizontal position, probably because of the transmission lubrication.
The 3D models seem to indicate that the differential axle will be a bit higher than the Corolla's original. Azure doesn't fit at the same place so some longer drive shafts are needed.
Edit: Missed week 48 update which is the second part, so changed this to part 3. - Murska