Kirk,
The most common motors used in conversions here: Mars, Agni, etc. operate closer to 85% already. This means that any improvments can only be incremental at best, an efficiency improvement of only 18% puts us at 100% efficiency. That translates to increasing a 15 mile range to 17.5 miles.
But storage does show much promise. Lithium batteries are available today and are roughly half the size and half the weight for the same capacity of flooded lead-acid (FLA) at roughly 3-4 times the price. This shows as 15 miles range FLA to 30 miles Li for the same size and weight and much more money. I chose to stick with the same range for half the battery weight and size for my boat. I could double the battery bank to extend my range if I find a lucky lotto ticket.
If another storage technology comes along that halves it again, then you would be able to go 4 times as far for the same weight and size as lead-acid. That means 15 miles FLA to 60 miles new tech. Unfortunately, nobody can predict when that might happen.
But I agree with you, we want to increase efficiency wherever we can. 10% here, 5% there, and eventually the boat will be noticably more usable.
Fair winds,
Eric
Marina del Rey, CA
--- In electricboats@yahoogroups.com, Kirk McLoren <kirkmcloren@...> wrote:
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> Â
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> I think it easier to build more efficient motors than these uber batteries. I
> remember reading the motor on the Australian entry (solar race) was 97%
> efficient.
> The stuff in the catalogs is considered gold if if it is 70%
> Remember the missing 30% usualy manifests as heat
> Kirk
>
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