Electic drag kart!

[Gokartbuilder11]

I have a school project to make an electric go kart dragster. It actually could've been gas, but electric accelerates faster. Anyways back to the point, I want to build it with as little electrical components as possible. And for a battery charger I will jut be using one of those wall chargers where you have alligator clamps to the battery. We also don't need any speed controllers since its only gonna be used a a drag kart. Anyone got any pics for ideas or any ideas. I know toystory_4wd is good at this stuff and is on a lot so please help. Have to get plans done by next week.

 

[hardrock21]

What exactly do you mean you don't need a speed controller? What are your plans for varying motor speed?

Paul

 

[Gokartbuilder11]

What exactly do you mean you don't need a speed controller? What are your plans for varying motor speed?

Paul

I was just gonna have full power cause it was just gonna be used for drag races.

 

[Tomorrowsgarden]

electric kart

I recorded one at a science fair last weekend. Had too many gadgets but maybe it'll give you ideas.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=UKEEfInoED8

 

[taz2it]

It would be best to have a speed controller. However if you are to do it with out one, do it as a step throttle. Meaning a circuit that starts at 12 volt, then steps to 48 volts, then to 36 volts.

I did this with a 24 volt scooter then added a 3rd 12 volt battery and a bypass 'turbo' switch to use after scooter was at full speed on 24 volt. Giving it about a 20% bump. But this get the motor hot and need to add a heat sink to it to help keep it cooler.

 

[gvfc2]

here is an idea. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrdNxgcNlYA

 

[fresh101]

Use a 24v starter motor and direct one switch to send 24v to the motor, hold on tight as its a quick push and fast. GRAGSTER

Note: if you want faster go for a 18 wheeler truck starter motor.

 

[mckutzy]

I remember a barstool racer plans I had that used a starter and a solenoid with a heavy duty switch.
It seemed allright, but it would cook a battery pretty quick. You had to use marine deep cycle batteries
I think this might fry a regular solenoid, but maybe a contactor from a large electric powered machine might do. They can handle high amps current draw.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

I know toystory_4wd is good at this stuff and is on a lot so please help.

Sorry- I don't know how I missed this one, but I did.

Actually, electric drive technology really isn't my bag. I hope you've made some progress but here are a few thoughts-

You'll need a very heavy duty motor controller switch, or a good contactor, or something capable of withstanding high-current switching. Attempting to use a "normal" switch will result in welded switch contacts really fast. Might even catch fire.

Also- I'm not a drag racer, but I can tell you this- too much wheelspin won't help your race times. Getting the power to the ground is important. Depending on your setup, you may end up just feeding a ton of power to the motor off the line, and spinning the heck out of 'em.

Don't forget a fuse or circuit breaker. Fire sucks.

 

[fowler]

U could run a heavy duty battery isolator then u can do away with a solenoid
http://www.locksafe.com.au/product-detail.php?pId=31

Although this would result in loads of wheel spin
U could wire a set of circuits to achieve set voltages
Then have a set of switchs to accelerate to top speed
I don't know what u would do for a circuit breaker


It's a shame u are not local to me
It's criminal what we thow out
I could give u a large CAT 24v starter motor with bad brushes
At $56 for a set of brushes u get a butt load of torque

 

[mckutzy]

So how much power we talking here? Specs of motor, kart weight, batteries ect....

Whats you budget? This aint a cheap hobby.


Even contactors fuse shut sometimes. nice fires there.... seen a few turned into a pile mushy smelly charcoal.