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Using MG1 as a generator

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Technical Discussion' started by Tongue Tester, Aug 23, 2023.

  1. Tongue Tester

    Tongue Tester New Member

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    Hi all,

    First time poster, and let me say how great it is to see such an active community.

    Forgive me if this post is in the wrong spot or not appropriate for these forums.

    I am wondering whether it would be possible to install an MG1 elec motor onto the gearbox input shaft of another vehicle (inside the bellhousing) with the intention of making a backup generator to power a house (with appropriate supporting electronics).

    I have a few concerns from the research I have done - but want to hear your opinions to see if there are any show stoppers before I go too far down the rabit hole....

    Let me know what you think?

    Cheers
     
    #1 Tongue Tester, Aug 23, 2023
  2. ForestBeekeeper

    ForestBeekeeper Active Member

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    In the 2010 to 2015 time frame, I remember there were after-market add-ons that would make a Prius into a whole-house generator.

    They kind of disappeared.
     
    #2 ForestBeekeeper, Aug 23, 2023
  3. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    There was one company making them that disappeared for a while; that was ConVerdant Systems, but they later reappeared as PlugOut Power. Randy posts around here from time to time.

    But this sounds more like the "I don't have a Prius, I have an X, but if I could score the MG1 off an old Prius for cheap, could I bolt it into my X and make power with it?" question.

    The few things i would think about:

    • there's not much reason the X would have been built with enough extra space in its bellhousing for an MG1 that no one expected to be there.
    • Trying to regulate the engine RPM of your X to get precisely 60 Hz out of it probably is a non-starter. You'd have to end up with something very much like a Prius inverter, taking the three-phase from MG1 at whatever frequency and making DC, and then a big household inverter (like the ones PlugOut Power sells) to make good 60 Hz AC from that.
    • Once your question is "I want to bolt an electrical generator onto my X", it may be that a Prius MG1 is not the only choice, and maybe not the one with the easiest form factor to deal with, etc.
     
    #3 ChapmanF, Aug 23, 2023
  4. Tongue Tester

    Tongue Tester New Member

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    Thanks for the responses guys.

    The X is a Toyota Landcruiser and you are right I do not have a Prius (yet).
    I am looking to evaluate the Prius platform before buying one from the car auctions.

    My particular flavor of Landcruiser has a very long bellhousing to suit a V8 motor which sits much further forward than its straight 6 counterpart. The bellhousing is relatively empty between the clutch and the box itself - but yes I do need to confirm MG1 will fit.

    I hear you on the concerns about frequency etc and in truth I haven't 100% nailed that one yet.
    However, at this stage the plan will be to utilise the Prius inverter assembly (or parts of it) with the 'open inverter' board in conjunction with a large lithium battery and a domestic style inverter charger (Victron) - all mounted in the car.

    If you could help me out by assisting with these specific questions about the Prius Gen 3 MG1 motor:
    • MG1 has a 10000rpm limit (so I read) - But I don't understand how this is related to its planetary gear ratio. i.e what is the planetary gear ratio? and is the 10000rpm limit referring to the RPM before or after the planetary gear set.
    • Will the 10000 RPM constraint limit my engine RPM?
    • What sort of power would you get from MG1 at low RPM (i.e between 700-1000rpm). I certainly don't need 42kW to power a house. Anyone seen a graph of RPM vs Power output?
    • What is the flywheel looking thing between the Prius ICE and MG1? Is it just a dual mass flywheel or something more sinister...
    • Anyone have rough dimensions of MG1?
    • Is MG1 water proof (or resistant) - it appears to be in a sealed container as compared to MG2 - I assume Toyota did that that because its mechanical connections to the motor / diff power split assembly probably made it too hard to waterproof with mechanical seals (as compared to MG2).
    Appreciate you fellas...
     
    #4 Tongue Tester, Aug 23, 2023
  5. AzusaPrius

    AzusaPrius Senior Member

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    Yes PlugOutPower.com will have what you want to make your prius a generator.

    You can use promo code 7373 to save some cash!!!
     
    #5 AzusaPrius, Aug 23, 2023
  6. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    The shipping to 'Straya would probably make up for it.
     
    #6 ChapmanF, Aug 23, 2023
  7. Tongue Tester

    Tongue Tester New Member

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    That is an interesting product and is cheaper than the Victron option I am currently looking at.
    I will make enquiries outside of this forum and appreciate the discount code.

    In the interim, however I still need to evaluate whether the Prius magic is going to do the business and appreciate the feedback from the forum on this.
     
    #7 Tongue Tester, Aug 23, 2023
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