ENGINE EQUIVALENTS
#1
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (159)
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: GLEN ALLEN,
VA
Posts: 331
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
ENGINE EQUIVALENTS
Being new to the world of Electric powered aircraft, I am looking for a chart that shows the equivalent size of electric motors to replace a gas or glow engine.
Any help would be appreciated.
#5
Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Omagh, UNITED KINGDOM
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: ENGINE EQUIVALENTS
For those new to electric flight, this is the first question they ask - and there is, unfortunately, no simple answer . Dr Kiwi's rough rule is good. Because electric motors can handle such a wide range of power inputs (current X volts), it is difficult to chart equivalent i/c motors. I tend to work backwards - guess a prop size (does it look right in relation to tha aircraft size), decide on the thrust required - 1:1, 0.75 X predicted flying weight etc) and use an online calculator to get the thrust and RPM. Having the RPM means I can go to motor vendors and ask them to recommend a motor which will turn my chosen prop at that RPM, and with a reasonable currrent draw.
Maybe a simpler way is to use the rule of thumb that for reasonable aerobatic performance, we want over 100 watts input power per lb. of flying wt. 70w/lb for good performance, and maybe 50W/lb for modest performance - and then go to the motor vendor.
The process is iterative, but experience will "give you a feel" for the right motor / prop combination.
Sorry to be a bit long winded, but it's a learning process all E/flyer newbies have to go through
Maybe a simpler way is to use the rule of thumb that for reasonable aerobatic performance, we want over 100 watts input power per lb. of flying wt. 70w/lb for good performance, and maybe 50W/lb for modest performance - and then go to the motor vendor.
The process is iterative, but experience will "give you a feel" for the right motor / prop combination.
Sorry to be a bit long winded, but it's a learning process all E/flyer newbies have to go through
#6
My Feedback: (2)
RE: ENGINE EQUIVALENTS
Everything you want to know about electric flight
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_7100376/tm.htm
This e-book has a chapter on sizing electric motors.
Some MFG provide charts for their motors, but the correct approach is to size by watts/pound and forget the glow motors.