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Lotus Range Extender

Discussion in 'Prius, Hybrid, EV and Alt-Fuel News' started by bwilson4web, Dec 11, 2009.

  1. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

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    First clued by Autospeed.com, they identified the source of this Lotus article:

    proActive Issue 34

    A 'range extender' is a small engine-generator set designed to recharge batteries of an electric vehicle and extend the range. It charges the batteries so the vehicle continues to run. Some salient points:

    • gasoline engine - they didn't go diesel and explained why
    • 35 kW (47 hp) - more than enough for a Prius sized vehicle, it would extend to larger sedans, van, and possibly some SUV sized vehicles
    I wasn't 'inspired' by their engine technology but since it runs at a constant speed, it doesn't have to inspire. It only has to be efficient in the limited power range and that means a lot of 'neat' things variable power, gas-diesel engines require to remain efficient are not needed. The surge power is provided by the battery-motor, primary power system.

    Bob Wilson
     
    #1 bwilson4web, Dec 11, 2009
  2. ken1784

    ken1784 SuperMID designer

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    I saw the news in September.
    Frankfurt Preview: Lotus develops a range extender engine — Autoblog Green

    An interesting thing is the engine does not have a cylinder head gasket.
    "The Range Extender features a novel engine architecture incorporating a monoblock construction that blends the cylinder head and block together eliminating the need for a cylinder head gasket, improving durability and reducing weight."

    Ken@Japan
     
    #2 ken1784, Dec 11, 2009
  3. David Beale

    David Beale Senior Member

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    :) I owned a Can Am motorcycle with no cylinder head gasket, even though the cylinder head was removable. But it was an air cooled 2 stroke engine.
     
    #3 David Beale, Dec 11, 2009
  4. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    What is old is new again.
    [ame="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Offenhauser"]Offenhauser - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia[/ame]
    "Another reason for the engine's success was reliability; unit construction (no separate cylinder head) meant the engine was not vulnerable to head gasket or cylinder stud problems and allowed for higher cylinder pressures."
     
    #4 JimboPalmer, Dec 11, 2009
  5. Rybold

    Rybold globally warmed member

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    Honda has one too. :D
     

    Attached Files:

    #5 Rybold, Dec 11, 2009
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