A normal car has an alternator to provide 12V power to lights and all the other loads, and to keep the 12V battery charged. This electric car has a DC-DC converter instead. It gets high voltage (~280V) power from the main battery and converts it down to 12V. The first unit wasn't working the way I wanted, so I returned it and Belktronix modified it and sent it back. This is one of the advantages of choosing Made in the USA whenever you can. Here it is installed.
What kind of efficiency do these things have? With such big heat sinks don't they take a big hit on efficiency? I suppose not many alternatives.
ReplyDeleteI don't know. My ammeter won't handle enough amps to measure the 12V side. They're supposed to be in the high 90's (95%?). I'll see if it feels hot after a ride with all the 12V loads on.
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