Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Corsair
Why would there be an efficiency loss ? The engine generates the same power, while reloading this power is used to drive an alternator for reload, while not reloading the same power is used to drive the propeller shaft...
|
YaY! I think your starting to catch on!
Every time energy is changed (i.e. from chemical fuel to kinetic) some energy is lost, usually through heat.
Energy is also lost when the energy passes through components. (i.e. wear on the drive shaft)
The efficiency loss on e-motors is greater because the energy goes through more systems and changes.
On the surface it changes from fuel to the propeller motion and finally to the boats motion. It passes through the motor, the drive shaft and the screw. The main efficiency losses are in the motor, which heats up, and the screw, which is never 100% efficient.
On e-motors it must go from fuel to the motor to the alternator, the batteries, the e-motors, the drive shaft and then the prop. Efficiency is lost at the D-motor, the alternator, the batteries, the e-motor and the screw. The alternator and the batteries both get hot when they are charged.
When fuel is used less efficantly the boat can not go as far.