Quote:
Originally Posted by xuimod
ESC is ok for small power gains but I don't think an ESC can push out more than 7 psi on a consistent everyday basis.... reliably anyways.
7 psi is on the very low end of Turbo's and Superchargers.
Also, with ESC the batteries are expensive. Like $200-300 for a set and they have to be replaced every 2-3 years iirc. That cost adds up.
To me, ESC's will always be a niche product. I don't think it will ever be found in stock cars out of the factory. The cost savings (the main benefit) is not enough.
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Speaking of uninformed public. I think you may have some bad information.
To clear some things up.
1. The limitation that is keeping me from producing over 7 lbs of boost isn't some physical limit but instead simply having enough juice to power a larger electric motor and it's matched centrifugal compressor. This is a matter of battery cost aligning with the overall goals of the Phantom ESC kit (which is to say, low cost, low complexity, and working with OEM hardware (clutch, internals, etc)). Nothing less/more, and not some kind of hard limit.
Still, keep in mind that the 5 PSI my Phantom ESC kit outputs is virtually non-parasitic (unlike traditional F.I.). Because of this every bit of boost matters whereas with a belt driven SC or Turbo there are losses in creating their boost that eat into total output & performance. Also, since an electric motor produces 100% torque at 1 RPM and the compressor instantly begins compressing air. To even further advance this, the compressor can be pre-spooled. What this means is that max boost is available almost immediately. Neither a turbo or SC can match the torque curve of an ESC. This is why Ferrari. McClaren, and Porsche "torque fill" with electric motors in their most extreme models. The 5 PSI from my Phantom ESC is roughly equivalent to 7-8 PSI of a traditional SC or Turbo. If I was producing over 8 PSI with the ESC, I'd be well over 300 BHP.
2. The batteries for my kit are not expensive and do not cost $300 for a set and require replacement every 2-3 years. The base kit batteries cost $125. I've heard nothing ever about a 2-3 year replacement cycle. BTW, I've been running my kit since last Feb 2014.
The base kit requires 2 of these @ $39 ea.
http://www.atbatt.com/power-sonic-12...oduct=PS-12180
and 1 of these @ $45
http://www.atbatt.com/power-sonic-ps...id-battery.asp
You can upgrade your batteries if you like, but that's not required.
3. ESCs are new yes, but niche... nope.
Many OEMs have ESCs in the near pipeline for production vehicles. @
Robftss is the first person to successfully bring a commercial aftermarket ESC kit to the masses. Since then @
Shiv@Openflash has adapted the Phantom kit for use in the NC Miata which he has successfully commercially adapted. Shiv is also introducing Electronic motor control to the compressor to make this kit Full time F.I. He's also installed the kit in his Elise, and most recently twin charged his Audi R8 (see below).
This kit is being aggressively developed, and improved. I'd be willing to bet that in a year's time, there will be more Phantom ESC kits in the wild than many of the traditional F.I. kits currently offered.
Volvo's New Electric Supercharger - What is it?
http://autoweek.com/article/car-news...rger-explained
Next Audi Q7 to Debut with Electric Turbocharger?
http://www.autoblog.com/2014/06/22/a...harger-report/
Audi Electric Bi-Turbo Engine Revealed
http://www.worldcarfans.com/11209204...ngine-revealed
Audi brings its electric turbocharger closer to production with RS 5 TDI concept
http://www.gizmag.com/audi-electric-...s-5-tdi/32619/
Electric Supercharger Boosts Torque 50% and Reduces CO2 by 20%
http://www.treehugger.com/cars/elect...co2-by-20.html
HyBoost shows off electric supercharger in Ford Focus
http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthrea...g-for-everyone
Next Subaru WRX to Use Electric Turbocharger (older article)
http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/03/n...-turbocharger/
Will BMW's Electric Turbocharger End Turbo Lag?
http://jalopnik.com/5855317/will-bmw...-end-turbo-lag
BMW Pairs Electric & Traditional Turbos to Boost Efficiency
http://www.greencarreports.com/news/...ost-efficiency
