ECU's and their electric supply

[J-Raid]

Hi guys, got the reply with the info.

From what it can be public domain, at maximun load the MES ECU gets a 3A current at 13.8V, which means 41.4W. That means that solar cells with the proposed surface would be more than enough (as long as it keeps sunny!). The other options would do as well.

Just to add some extra bit of info, with ignition off the current is just 5mA at 12V, and at averge use it would work at 1.2A at 13.8V

Hope that info is useful

[Belatti]

that idea just screams inefficient to me

That makes at least 2 of us then.

3

I guess that changing from one kind of energy to another, even at high eff rates you always multiply eff like in this example:

0.9*0.9*0.9=0.729

A not so efficient single change:

0.85*0.85=0.7225


Its nice info conceptual, anyways.

[nudger]

Hi guys, got the reply with the info.

From what it can be public domain, at maximun load the MES ECU gets a 3A current at 13.8V, which means 41.4W. That means that solar cells with the proposed surface would be more than enough (as long as it keeps sunny!). The other options would do as well.

Just to add some extra bit of info, with ignition off the current is just 5mA at 12V, and at averge use it would work at 1.2A at 13.8V

Hope that info is useful

hmmm, i may not understand what you trying to get at here. but you realise that the current draw you have been quoted is merely to run the main ecu right? this in no way reflects what the electrical system requires. an f1 car consumes in the region of 40 amps, delivered via the power box. system voltage is about 14.2v.
The ecu just delivers some low voltage supplies for sensors and comms. the powerbox provides 5v,10v regulated 12v system voltage supplies and ignition on power.
BTW, its the powerbox on the current F1 system that has the injection/ignition stages

[J-Raid]

Yes, thats just for the ECU.

My intention when starting the topic wasn't about feeding the whole electric system, but just the electronic unit.

[Harrelson]

I don't see why it wouldn't work. The problem is that the ECU is the "heart and brain" and running it on solar would involve some serious risks.

If your design can guarantee that it can run the ECU consistently and reliably for hours in all weather conditions then you have a winner. Imagine trans-continental airlines that fly above the clouds with the top part of the body covered in solar panels?

[nudger]

Yes, thats just for the ECU.

My intention when starting the topic wasn't about feeding the whole electric system, but just the electronic unit.

ok, fair enough, but must confess im a little curious as to why? the ecu is the main processor sure, but there are several processing units that make up the system.
just curious at what you are trying to get at really

[alexbarwell]

A couple of points of interest; photo-voltaic cells do produce good output even in poor/diffused light (although the brighter the better). A number of systems present instantaneous heavy loads (like when injectors are fired) and the system needs to allow for this absolute peak, this also means the power source needs to be more current-capable. Battery chemistry is improving, but lead-acid has always been very resilient (2.1v/cell), Nicads (NiCd, 1.2v/cell)are lighter, but less current capable in standard guise (partly why we still have lead acid in most cars). If the limits on KERS are loosened allowing any recovery method, then the extra from solar could help (you need body panels anyway, so they might as well provide energy). As things stand, there seems little incentive to adopt solar

[nudger]

a much better way of doing it would be by wireless induction, using microwaves or RF which there are plenty about an f1 car.
still dont know why you would want to though

[J-Raid]

Yes, thats just for the ECU.

My intention when starting the topic wasn't about feeding the whole electric system, but just the electronic unit.

ok, fair enough, but must confess Im a little curious as to why? the ecu is the main processor sure, but there are several processing units that make up the system.
just curious at what you are trying to get at really

Well, it could be for the other systems as well, but given the ype of project I was trying to produce, plus the fact that I wanted a solution that would be well balanced between weight/surface used and power recovered, I though just supply the electronic parts would be enough. The electric part on the other hand would be fed by the IC engine or KERS

[speedsense]

Interesting note on this topic of voltage to an ECU. In drag racing here in the states several teams have run higher voltages on a 12v ECU. In drag racing they experience a slight power lost at the end of a run.
By running the voltages of the power supplied to just under frying the ECU, around 15-16 volts, they actually maintain no loss in power in the high demands towards the last 1/4 of the run.