PDA

View Full Version : Alpha-Core/Poulsen Hybrid (from the East Coast)



MontyInNJ
05-08-2008, 07:58 PM
Here is an interesting idea for those of us who need relief from high gas prices in 2008.

Poulsen Hybrid® system enables you to choose the car you prefer and turn it into a Plug-In Hybrid for the daily grind.

Poulsen Hybrid system utilizes Permanent Magnet, Axial Field (PMAF) motors. This style motor came into being with the development of extremely high-energy, rare earth permanent magnets and has found use in aerospace and advanced vehicles including the "Sunraycer" record winning solar powered racecar. They feature high power and torque within a compact, lightweight disk shape architecture and are ideally suited for direct drive road vehicle applications.The PMAF motors specially developed by Alpha-Core, Inc. for Poulsen Hybrid are rated 5kW or 7 horsepower each at 1000 rpm (app. 60 mph).

The disk shaped on-wheel motors are installed onto the original wheels by means of adapter plates, which are bolted onto the back of special wheel lug nuts. The stator is prevented from turning by means of a torque bar, which extends from the outside center of the motor to connection fixture situated directly behind the rear wheel and attached to the fender or rear quarter panel. Power supply takes place via power cables extending through a channel in the bar/conduit to the motor controllers and batteries located in the trunk. Addition of the Poulsen Hybrid system does not touch existing brake, steering and suspension systems. The system will be available in kit form and can be owner installed in 3-4 hours. Conversions will also be offered through dealerships and a planned network of authorized installers.

How does it work ?
The effect felt by the driver when the system is turned on is equivalent to freewheeling down a 3% grade. As a result the accelerator needs to be depressed less or not at all to keep the car going. When on cruise control the difference can only be perceived by a significant drop in fuel consumption, dependent on type of car and individual driving habits.


What does it cost? Projected approximate prices:
Conversion kit including:

2 Poulsen Hybrid motors.
Auxiliary Components and cables
2 brushless DC motor controllers
72V 120Ah Deep Cycle Lead Acid battery pack (6 batteries).
On-board charger, 72V, 10A.Total $3,300 Conversion performed by authorized facility, additional $600

Technology that is here today! (June 2008 is the expected debut)

More chatter here;
http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/05/07/who-else-thinks-the-poulsen-hybrid-is-the-sleeper-team-to-win-th/ (http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/05/07/who-else-thinks-the-poulsen-hybrid-is-the-sleeper-team-to-win-th/)

Poulsen site;
http://www.poulsenhybrid.com/poulsen.html (http://www.poulsenhybrid.com/poulsen.html)

Podcast from NY Auto Show (production June 2008);
http://xprizecars.com/tag/Alpha%20Core

Derwin
05-09-2008, 07:57 AM
I find this to be a fascinating option to put on a vehicle. But the price seems a bit high to me. The main reason for me putting this on my vehicle would be to SAVE MONEY on gas. But the price of $3,300 seems to crush that reason. My car already gets around 24 or so miles per gallon. If this thing jumped me up to 30 mpg, than I would be getting an extra 6 miles per gallon extra. The numbers just don't add-up in savings to justify me getting this. Now, if a person want to get this for the purpose of making a vehicle more eco-friendly, than I guess it is a great thing to do.

Either way, I think it is another example of the incredible creativity that comes when the need arrives.......And I think we all know that the need HAS arrived!

Good stuff! =y:

Derwin

P.S. I may have this all screwed-up, so please correct me if my numbers are wrong. Thanks.

RAN
05-09-2008, 10:02 AM
They don't really give an idea of what a "significant drop in fuel consumption" might be. It may very well be worth it to some people to add this to their cars if their commute is long enough.

BTW Monte, I grew up in Blairstown. Been to Lake Hopatcong a few times. :)

Derwin
05-09-2008, 11:53 AM
They don't really give an idea of what a "significant drop in fuel consumption" might be. It may very well be worth it to some people to add this to their cars if their commute is long enough.

BTW Monte, I grew up in Blairstown. Been to Lake Hopatcong a few times. :)


Yep, you have a point. I guess if the drop in fuel consumption is "significant" in a REAL sense, then it would definately be worth while. But why can't a company come up with something like this that would only cost somewhere under $1,000? Then we would see a real change because most everybody would buy a unit.

Derwin

MontyInNJ
05-09-2008, 12:10 PM
From CNBC (May 9 AM)
===============================
With gas at almost $4 a gallon, I'm not surprised hybrids are selling for more. But here's the kicker: the latest data shows people buying most hybrids will take even longer to make up the "premium" or higher price they are paying compared to standard models. For example, according to Edmunds.com, Prius owners will need 3.5 years of gas savings to make up the premium they are paying now.

According to Edmunds.com, the following five all take longer to "break even" than a year ago.

Toyota Highlander Hybrid. 12 years

Ford Escape Hybrid. 7.3 yrs

Saturn VUE. 7.1. Yrs

Mercury Mariner Hybrid. 6.4 Yrs.

Honda Civic Hybrid. 4.8 yrs

=====================================

So even a 3K investment with a donor car, ROI will take a long time. If you could drive only on the electric drive for any amount of miles it would be more attractive. I like the kit form, and more involvement of the user/owner. Not for every one, but VV will hopefully be in the X-Prize races next year. And stay on their production schedule.

Here is some more info;
http://www.cnbc.com/id/24540478

Ran - Lake Hopatcong has grown up...