What do you think, turning a MB 123 into a hybrid - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

1981_300sd · #1 05-18-2007, 11:31 AM

What do you think about this? This guy turned a Opel GT into electric, then put a small on board generator to keep the batteries charged.

Since the small generator engines will run problem free with veggie oil, much easier than our cars, what if one of these electric engines were to be mounted into a 123 chasis, put in 4 batteries, and threw in a diesel generator? Imagine getting 75 mpg on veggie oil.

In addition, talk about low maintenence - there are only basically batteries, small generator engine, and an electric engine. If any fail, very low cost to replace as well as an easy DIY swap out. Compare this to things like worring about engine cooling system, head gaskets, and on and on. If the generator goes, throw in another one for about 300 dollars....

Here is the link:

http://www.motherearthnews.com/Alternative-Energy/1979-07-01/An-Amazing-75-MPG-Hybrid-Electic-Car.aspx

Goatspunk · #2 05-18-2007, 11:37 AM

I was thinking about converting my Honda CRX HF to electric, being that it only weighed ~1800lbs.

Seems like it would be a waste to convert a car that weighs ~4500lbs.

Old300D · #3 05-18-2007, 11:47 AM

I'm thinking it would be cool to transplant a VW TDi engine in place of the gasoline engine in a Prius...

vstech · #4 05-18-2007, 11:48 AM

300SD curb weight is only 3200LBS...
quite a bit heavier than an opel, but not outrageously more.
the 123 is lighter by 100lbs or so.
the 190D would be the car to do this to, it's only about 2800lbs

John

vstech · #5 05-18-2007, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old300D

I'm thinking it would be cool to transplant a VW TDi engine in place of the gasoline engine in a Prius...

the only problem with a diesel in a prius is the start/stop/start part. hard to get a cold diesel to instant start.
John

pleiades · #6 05-18-2007, 12:04 PM

electrics that can move a car could probably do a good job glowing a TDI. you might need to add extra heating elements

yellowbenz · #7 05-18-2007, 01:45 PM

I've been dreaming about converting a 123 to electric. A lot of info out there and I think that is the next alternative energy cottage industry after the biodiesel/WVO boomlet. You need a manual transmission so a 240D would be perfect. Several books and actual complete kits available. From what I gather it would cost 3-6000 to do it.

Kevin
1979 240D manual
1984 190D manual

Old300D · #8 05-18-2007, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vstech

the only problem with a diesel in a prius is the start/stop/start part. hard to get a cold diesel to instant start.
John

That's probably why there aren't any diesel hybrids on the market yet. But my version would be custom wired and programmed, and wouldn't necessarily be able to turn off the engine.

networkboy · #9 05-18-2007, 04:28 PM

Thing is, the car industry did it wrong.
Look at locomotives for the proper way to hybrid.
Diesel generator at optimum output and RPM -> Traction motor -> drivetrain
in a car you would add batteries to act as a buffer for stop and go driving.
-nB

1981_300sd · #10 05-18-2007, 04:29 PM

Yes, the reason I was thinking a 123 240, is because of the manual transmission. Also, the 3100-3200 car would be much less weight with the engine gone. The electric motor/generator would weigh much much less.

If I was going for weight, I would go with a geo metro. However I dont want to die in an accident, and very much enjoy riding in comfort

thorsen · #11 05-18-2007, 04:38 PM

That is awesome. I would rip the gasoline engine out of my MGB and drop that in if I knew where to find an electric motor and controller.

networkboy · #12 05-18-2007, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1981_300sd

Yes, the reason I was thinking a 123 240, is because of the manual transmission. Also, the 3100-3200 car would be much less weight with the engine gone. The electric motor/generator would weigh much much less.

If I was going for weight, I would go with a geo metro. However I dont want to die in an accident, and very much enjoy riding in comfort

You only need the gearbox if you are using a DC motor or a low end AC motor.
If you use a mid to high end polyphase induction traction motor and a variable phase AC controller you can do without the gearbox. Adds about $2-3K to the cost of the motor and about $500 to the cost of the controller.
-nB

Dubyagee · #13 05-18-2007, 06:34 PM

Add a genset in the trunk.

http://www.electroauto.com/

I was thinking of doing a hybrid using 6 delco single wire alternators run with a go cart rotary (45hp). The exhaust would be run through a plasma catalytic converter. Each alternator would be dioded to two 12 volt deep cycle batteries for a fast charge rate. It would be a 144 volt system with regenerative braking.

I can get the controllers, diodes and such where I work (forklift mechanic). I also can go AC with the design utilizing a three phase sine wave generator (Hughes AC controller).

The vehicle I wanted to try this on would be a early seventies Fiat 128 for its front wheel drive and light weight.

Hopefully capacitors will surpass the common battery.
http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2006/batteries-0208.html

Link to the rotary
http://www.karting1.co.uk/wankel-kart-test.htm

winmutt · #14 05-18-2007, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1981_300sd

Yes, the reason I was thinking a 123 240, is because of the manual transmission. Also, the 3100-3200 car would be much less weight with the engine gone. The electric motor/generator would weigh much much less.

If I was going for weight, I would go with a geo metro. However I dont want to die in an accident, and very much enjoy riding in comfort

123 123 technically.

bellyboy · #15 05-18-2007, 10:12 PM

Dont know about converting a Mb., but it is only a matter of time for that technology...http://www.wired.com/cars/energy/news/2005/03/66949

I know while my wife isnt watching we could try it on her hybrid. On second thought.