|
Post by turboron on Nov 22, 2023 8:14:36 GMT -5
Madpatty, what is the reason or logic that requires a separate ESC unit especially one as sophisticated as the VESC? Can this function not be incorporated into the ECU?
Thanks, Ron
|
|
|
Post by madpatty on Nov 22, 2023 13:15:45 GMT -5
Madpatty, what is the reason or logic that requires a separate ESC unit especially one as sophisticated as the VESC? Can this function not be incorporated into the ECU? Thanks, Ron Hi Ron. A couple hours of points worth sharing here- 1. VESC is not specifically required for our engines. It has more functionality that we won’t require for normally running the engine. The only reason I was considering VESC was it being Open-source and has some good features. But right now for all my engine testing I have used a basic brushless controller ($50 ish) that’s taking input from my ECU and running the bldc starter motor. Now to your question why can’t it be incorporated in the ECU. It sure can be incorporated into the ECu and that’s what all companies like Jetcat, AMT, Kingtech do. They all have built in power electronics that power the starter motors and fuel pumps directly. But that’s where the problem is for people like us. The power electronics section is really specific to the power requirements of the particular starter motor and fuel pump someone is going to use. When I started this project, I contacted Xicoy electronics, the company that makes aftermarket FADECs for RC Jet engines. They refused to change anything from the standard ECU they have. Now my ECU is not limited to any standard engine. It’s a more universal design and also really helpful for hobbyists like us. The user gets to choose their own starter motor and fuel pump(brushless or brushed) based on their particular engine size requirements. The controller is also specific to that power requirement and they can control it all using 1 single standard ECU. I have successfully tested my ECU on a 22kg RC engine and AMT Titan 40 kg thrust engine (each one with their specific starter and fuel pumps). All I had to do was get a bigger more powerful ESCs for the AMT engine’s starter and fuel pump. The starter power requirements on some of the larger engines ( likes of the ones built by racket and Anders here) goes upward of 1-1.5kW which cannot be powered by any off the shelf xicoy ECU today. In short- My ECU gives the hobbyists the freedom to choose their own power components. They can also keep on experimenting with different starters and fuel pump and not have to change the ECU everytime. Hope this makes sense. Regards. Patty
|
|
|
Post by turboron on Nov 22, 2023 15:07:34 GMT -5
Matpaty, thanks for your prompt reply. I am not knowledgeable about the hobby jet world. My interest is in controlling a load speed such as a synchronous generator.
Thanks again, Ron
|
|
monty
Senior Member
Currently being spanked by mother nature.......
Joined: September 2018
Posts: 400
|
Post by monty on Nov 22, 2023 21:23:42 GMT -5
Matpaty, thanks for your prompt reply. I am not knowledgeable about the hobby jet world. My interest is in controlling a load speed such as a synchronous generator. Thanks again, Ron Ron,
If the VESC would tolerate higher erpm it would be the very thing you are after. Currently it only supports 150000 erpm. Not enough for a generator, unless you use a 2 pole machine. Most of the motors in the starter/generator power levels we are after are at least 4 pole motors. We need 300000 erpm to make this work.....most 300000erpm ESCs do not support enough power to be useful. I am currently looking for options.
Monty
|
|
|
Post by madpatty on Apr 16, 2024 9:34:43 GMT -5
Hi Mates. First ever JET_ECU has been shipped to monty. monty Looking forward to your cool build and successful Automated running using the ECU 😎. Cheers.
|
|
monty
Senior Member
Currently being spanked by mother nature.......
Joined: September 2018
Posts: 400
|
Post by monty on Apr 21, 2024 11:28:54 GMT -5
Hey Patty!
Everything arrived safe and sound. I really like the harness connector.
I've got the rotating assembly finished up. Now I better get to work on the castings!
Monty
|
|