Hybrid Drone Generator

Summary

This video details a system that integrates a generator with a battery-powered setup to generate and manage electrical current. The process involves using cooling fans, testing in cold conditions, and managing battery load by adjusting generator throttle. The presenter tests the system outdoors, monitors current flow, and aims to improve efficiency by switching to a motor with a lower kV rating. Future updates will focus on optimizing fuel flow, tracking gasoline consumption, and refining the system's overall performance. The video blends hands-on testing and future system improvements in a cold, scientific setting.

Takeaways

• 😀 The test setup involves a generator system that combines a gasoline engine with electric generators to produce current.
• 😀 The system includes cooling fans to maintain proper temperature, as there is no dedicated enclosure for airflow management.
• 😀 A starting cone is used in combination with a manual starting device for easier operation of the generator, instead of an electrical starter.
• 😀 Battery current flow is monitored through gauges, with the goal of reducing battery load by utilizing the generator for power generation.
• 😀 At about 200 Hz, the system showed no degradation in the batteries, indicating no adverse effects during testing.
• 😀 The person tests the generator in freezing temperatures (around -4°C), which adds complexity to the system's performance.
• 😀 The generator's kV rating affects the system’s efficiency. The person used a 130 kV motor but plans to switch to a 90 kV motor for better current handling.
• 😀 Adjusting the throttle on the generator allows the system to shift power demand from the battery to the generator as needed.
• 😀 The voltage and current data are stable and measurable, providing insight into the power system's performance under various load conditions.
• 😀 Future improvements are planned, including optimizing the generator’s kV rating and exploring fuel consumption rates to assess efficiency in terms of gasoline usage.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the experimental system described in the video?

The system is designed to test and demonstrate a hybrid power generation setup, combining a generator and battery system to generate and manage current, with a focus on efficiency and cooling.

What is the significance of the cooling fans used in the setup?

The cooling fans are used to prevent overheating in the system's components. Since the system is being tested in cold temperatures, the fans are set up temporarily to ensure proper cooling due to the lack of a dedicated enclosure.

Why does the experimenter prefer a manual start for the generator?

The experimenter prefers a manual start as it is simpler, lighter, and easier to manage compared to using an electric starter, which would add complexity and weight to the system.

What is the role of the 8S battery system in this setup?

The 8S battery system provides power to the resistors, allowing for the current flow that helps in managing the load between the battery and the generator. It is also used to monitor power consumption through a gauge.

How does the generator impact the current drawn from the battery?

As the generator starts running, it begins to generate current. This reduces the load on the battery, which results in a decrease in the current drawn from the battery as the generator takes over more of the power demand.

What does the experimenter mean by the 'upper gauge' and the 'lower gauge'?

The upper gauge displays the current being produced by the generator, while the lower gauge shows the current flowing from the battery to the resistors. The system's performance is monitored via these gauges.

Why are the generators in the setup considered suboptimal?

The generators are considered suboptimal because they are rated at 130 kV, which is higher than ideal. A lower kV would be more efficient for the system, as the current generators require the motor to spin at higher speeds to generate enough current.

What change is the experimenter planning to make to improve generator performance?

The experimenter plans to switch to generators rated at 90 kV, which will provide better efficiency and allow the system to generate more current without needing to over-spin the motors to high RPMs.

What are the next steps in the experimenter's testing process?

The next steps include updating the enclosure to improve cooling, switching to a lower kV generator for better performance, and analyzing fuel consumption to optimize the system's efficiency.

What challenges does the experimenter mention in terms of fuel flow?

The experimenter mentions that analyzing fuel consumption is a challenge, and further tests will be conducted to understand how much gasoline is being used per minute of current generated, in order to improve the system's fuel efficiency.