Poll: will it work? Prius as a generator, direct charging of 48V from traction battery

[McKravitts]

Precisely my point. Generator charging is typically at a consistent power level, hence why I compared two generators running at 4kW thus negating duty cycle as a consideration.

Can we conclude that using an inverter on a Prius for low power applications may not be quite as efficient as hauling a generator around but it's OK?

 

[sunshine_eggo]

Can we conclude that using an inverter on a Prius for low power applications may not be quite as efficient as hauling a generator around but it's OK?

My opinion on its use is very clear. My issue has been with the claims that it's going to be more efficient because... you know... Prius.

 

[Consumerbot3418]

Just so I understand, what do you mean?

I was referring to this statement:

It will do it briefly, but you have to cut the throttle and then re-floor it about every 5-10 seconds.

@AntronX seemed to float the idea of hacking the ECU via CAN to get a sustained 16kW output. But if the Toyota guys implemented a time limit on the forced charge like you described, then I don’t think I’d even want to attempt to seek that kind of continuous output. At least, not on an otherwise functional car.

 

[McKravitts]

My opinion on its use is very clear. My issue has been with the claims that it's going to be more efficient because... you know... Prius.

Agree. It's not going to be optiminally efficient, but how many generators are?

 

[AntronX]

I recall reading somewhere that 3rd gen Prius engine is 38% efficient at peak efficiency. Compare that to typically 19% efficient generator.

 

[sunshine_eggo]

I was referring to this statement:


@AntronX seemed to float the idea of hacking the ECU via CAN to get a sustained 16kW output. But if the Toyota guys implemented a time limit on the forced charge like you described, then I don’t think I’d even want to attempt to seek that kind of continuous output. At least, not on an otherwise functional car.

Best to consider the Prius as a 4-5kW generator. That's 96kWh/day or more...

 

[Mason Parsons]

The traction battery can handle up to 250V AC or DC, it might work to directly charge your 48V battery with the Eltek Flatpack2 HE rectifier modules. Just make sure to monitor everything closely, especially the voltage levels, to avoid any mishaps.

 

[black_jmyntrn]

You know... Its been a few years now learning all things Prius and I will say this... There is a huge difference between a normal prius and a plugin/PHEV Prius! Especially in the batteries!

After acquiring a Gen 2 Prius... heh. lets just say I swapped in Lithium cells into my Gen 2 Prius, and tried to use a row from my Plugin HV battery to make an HV battery for the Gen 2 (this is when I really learned why I wouldn't work!) plus upgraded my plugin HV battery to obtain roughly the same if not more EV mile range than the Gen 4 Prime aka PHEV/Plugin Prius. Oh and made a charger to charge the HV battery in the Gen 2 Prius.
I even begun shucking HV battery cells as well!

All that to say after adding an additional 12V battery with a larger capacity, the ICE aka Gas engine turns on significantly less and I have my entire Overlanding Prius powerering the add on electronics like cell booster and others. Plus... I cook off an air fryer and induction stove without issues and that's with two 2,000W PS inverters.

I'm working on a PCB board that would connect to the OE wireharness and provide battery details via Bluetooth or WIFI.

This is the thing... the Prius uses about 1/4 gal gas running it over night while using climate control. The PHEV tho.... the thought of being able to charge the HV system and not have the vehicle in READY mode while using the inverter through the 12V system... let that all sink in!