Those are cool capacitors, and they would solve the "current dump" problem, but they don't solve the capacity or cost problem.
The math is, well, complicated. But I think I got it right below...
But basically one of those $11 super capacitors can sort of act like a .2 amp hour battery. For comparison, a AA sized lithium ion battery is a 3 amp hour battery and sells for about $1.50. So for power density, I can get 15 times more power stored for 1/7th of the money in about 1/4 of the space.
But that capacitor can dump massive current (250 amps), where that AA battery is limited to maybe 5 amps.
So the caps would be a nice short term "dump power" device. Maybe charge them with regenerative braking, then use them to charge the batteries more slowly. And do that backwards for a short "turbo" mode acceleration.
They might be nice for a hybrid, but dang, would the costs add up.
Sorry, my bad, I meant that lithium ion battery that comes in a AA form factor. Great little things for hacking, chargers and batteries cheap on ebay. Handy to retrofit projects also.
I knew that's what you meant. I didn't know they went up that high. I guess I assumed they were similar to a standard battery. Not sure why I thought that. Those do about an eighth of an amp, so 5 amps is...wow.
I think "Swappable Batteries" are the most practical solution to enable true long-distance touring. Maybe like the way people exchange propane tanks now... pull into a station, swap out your depleted battery for a new one, pay a "Service Charge" and head out on your way. That really is the only way (with current technology) to make electric bikes and cars as practical as ICE vehicles.
So what's it like making so little noise? Do you catch yourself making motor noises during your commute? I need to know, you know, the relevant questions. Nice bike Jaime!
I'd like to try that FXS, fitted with knobbies, that'd be fun in the woods!
Right now, the only REAL problem I have is finding myself going a **** of a lot faster than I think, because I don't have the engine sound or vibration to provide additional sensory clues. I'm going to get into trouble with this thing...
That's been my experience also, you have no sense of speed, other than the fact that everyone around you is now a small thing in your mirrors.
You will hear new noises that you don't normally hear because of the lack of engine noise. The belt, the brakes the suspension sounds suddenly become noticeable. The motor makes a noise, more of a hum, but barely.
(Message edited by Josequinones on April 28, 2016)
We saw the Electric TT at Indianapolis a couple of years back. The announcers were saying one of the things the racers liked about the bikes is that they didn't need to look at their pit boards or the Jumbotrons... they could hear the announcers describing where their competitors were on the track at all times!
It was also the only race I watched all weekend that didn't require me to wear earplugs.
