low draw 12 volt motor

[Zookie400]

i am helping my brother win an electric car endurance "race"(most laps wins). i dont have the official rules yet, but from what i have been told, we can use 2 12 volt car batteries, and some electric motor (anything). i was thinking about making a trike from an old 10 speed, and using a wiper motor setup from a newer vehicle. its gear reduced and has a fairly slow rpm that would mock human leg speed somewhat. anyway, i was wondering if anyone had any other ideas for a low amperage but powerful 12 volt motor.

 

[DaveBen]

You won't find a low amp motor that is high output. It takes power to make power. Volts X amps = watts, and watts is a power measurement.

Dave

 

[big_rooster]

yeah and yer gonna need a good size motor to carry around 2 12 volt car batteries. I know i carry one every day. What about 4 window motors to drive 4 wheels?

 

[Zookie400]

i understand the whole takes power to make power thing, but all motors arent as efficient as others.....for example a straight shot starter motor versus a mean green gear reduction unit. they both will get the engine started, but if your engine dies and you need to use the starter to move the jeep out of the mud pit or off the rocks, the mean green will go that extra distance before killing the battery.

i could use a truck starter motor and burn the tires off the lil go cart, but we need distance, not speed. i dont really need high output, but more efficient and ample output. lack of power can be compensated for in gearing. the gearing would also be used to keep the motor under the least amount of strain because its known that they are more efficient the faster they spin.

window motor crossed my mind as well, but i dont think a window motor will be up to the job, i hadnt though about running multiples however, i will need to do some load testing with my amp meter to see what is the best combination.

i was also wondering about 24 volt units, out of a European vehicle. im not sure if we are allowed to run the 2 batteries like that though. if so then i think that would be the way to go because higher voltage means higher efficiency.

another idea on the wiper motor.....when the course is going downhill, throw it in top gear and on an intermittent wipe mode????

any other motors that could be used? i havent looked at a grainger or northern catalog to see what universal jobs they offer yet.

 

[JLDickmon]

whatever you do, get one rated continous duty or it's gonna be a real short trial...

 

[big_rooster]

That seems like a grey area to me 2 12 volt batteries wired in a series would be great if ya use a 12 volt motor. high speed at first and as you lose power it will work all the way down to about 9 volts.

 

[atk]

if you can find one, an older electric boat(trolling )motor....whether it be a variable speed or a selected speed motor...they do last a long time on a fully charged battery, especially if you use a deep cycle(marine) battery....most of these motors have reverse too....hope this helps

 

[Zookie400]

hmmm....hadnt thought of that. those are designed to run all day on a battery.....time for some R&D