Hi Chris
The torqeedo engine has been used as a generator during the optimization process. This is stated in the 2006 catalogue:
"In order to optimise the motor control, Torqeedo has taken a
leaf out of the book of aeronautical electronics engineers and
assumed the principle of the reproduction of the generator
characteristics. In this process, the motor designed as a current
consumer is operated as a power-generating generator. The
resulting performance characteristics enable an electronic
control coordinated precisely with the relevant motor. This
coordination enables an additionally improved efficiency and
stable, high, long-term performance.
(http://www.torqeedo
Companies don't like to waste resources, they might have implemented this feature already in the original controller design (or it was implemented in the design they simply bought somewhere, like the torcman electric engines usually used in model planes). Anyway, I suspect that it would not be a big deal to implement a regeneration function (though it might be inefficient on monohulls...
I am not an engineer and have very little experience with electricity and mechanics in general, but I asked myself why they have not implemented even if they have been contacted many times by maney different people (I have talked to) to implement this feature. My hypothesis is that the engine is simply not designed for continuous duty. Why should it, when driven by batteries there is not the problem that the engine would be excessively used. Batteries today are just a long way from providing enough energy. That's why i think it is interesting to hear about your friends from "school's out" who with help of their generator are able power the torqeedo's in a more continuous manner. And why should companies "waste" money on a design for long term continuous duty if there is very little chance for the engine being used continuously. Howver, once it would provide regeneration functions it would probably hang in the water indefinitely as long as a boat is moving and both the engine, gearing and electronics might not be up to it.
Actually I have sent torqeedo emails twice asking about a statement if there are plans to implement regeneration and about the continuous use. They did not care to reply and I don't have an own engine yet to disprove my hypothesis, anyway I hope I am wrong because I am going to buy one if yours survives this season :-).
By the way, the solar catamaran on www.solarwave.
Matti
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