Sparrow For Sale

[rjf]

I moved this from the Wiki:For Sale page which now points folks to this board at the forum.  Do no reply to the poster "rjf", I am not the seller...

2008.03.18 - Per SEVA Maillist - Sparrow For Sale
2001 Lilac Hatchback/Pizzabutt Sparrow, #222
Nearly new pack of Optima Bluetops (~ 10 cycles on them)
Miles: 12899
IOTA DLS-55 DC-DC
$9900

Photos at: http://www.casadelgato.com/ForSale/Sparrow

If you are in the Seattle area, it counts as a Motorcycle for the Diamond lane, and for the Ferry - so no waiting in line for the boat!

Options:
+$1000 PFC-40 charger (otherwise it's a Zivan NG3)
+$400 MKII regulators (mix of C and D models) (13)
+$700 2KW Range Extender Generator w/mounting rack

My job has moved to be just too far away. Since I can't really use it anymore, I've decided to sell it.

Currently, I'm using the PFC-40 charger, which is GREAT for quick charges. You can get to the 80% level in < 1 hour from a 240V outlet. (So, 4 minutes of charging gets you 2 miles of range!) I have NOT yet defanged the car - and I won't bother if it gets sold with a Zivan charger in it. Currently the PFC charger is in the hatch area, and if you frequently switch between 120V, 240V, and genset charging, it'll need to stay there so you can change the current settings, and change what it's plugged in to.

The IOTA DC-DC is also in the hatch area, but could be moved up front under the hood IF the PFC charger is used in the back.

The Range Extender genset does work, and can pump around 2KW back into the pack while running. Weighs < 100 lbs. You can see in the pictures the mounting rack on the back. (Look at the newer (page 7) pictures of the genset, the older ones were of my first attempt.) It should work just fine with a Zivan (likely at less than 2KW though), but I haven't tested it. This is a nice Kipor inverter generator, so it puts out nice clean sine wave power - even my computer likes it.

My commute is mostly at highway speeds around 60mph. Without the genset, I would recommend going no more than 20 miles or so on a charge, otherwise you'll beat the batteries down hard. With the genset running, it adds about 20% to your range if steady cruising, more if you are going slower or stopping now and then. (I had a 20 minute wait for the Ferry that really helped.)

[lenapralos]

what is a range extender genset?

John

[leitmotif]

I just love all the new names these guys cook up.

This is nothing new.  Submarines, washington state ferries, railroads, have been using diesel electric propulsion for decades to a century.

Basically it is nothing more than using a generator to supply some or all of load
thus decreasing load on battery
thus increasing battery range.

Dan Bentler

[aviken]

If they don't change the names (repackage it) than how can they sell it to you as new technology? 

[leitmotif]

I guess I am fortunate to have cut my teeth on power generation distribution and motor control on a submarine.

That way Madison Ave cannot sell me so called -- new tech ---- hi tech etc etc I learned about and operated in 1970.
I remember in 70's and 80's the big buzz word was solid state controlled or electronically controlled.  Dont know how many standard switches they sold but they sold none of that XX to me.

Dan Bentler