RC ESC controller to power Hub motor?

[mvly]

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__9130__TURNIGY_K_Force_70A_HV_OPTO_Brushless_ESC.html

Will this works with sensor hub motor? Since this will go up to 12s lipo = 44.4V, this looks like a good alternative to those big controller. I am wondering if any have tried this on their hub motor.

 

[SamTexas]

I'd like to know too.

 

[mvly]

I can try it myself, but do not want to burn anything out. Maybe I will try this once I get the Crystalyte motor and this controller.

 

[SamTexas]

Wouldn't be wiser to wait a while to see if anyone knew?

 

[Metallover]

I would think it would work,, possibly very well. But, I would just spend a little more and get a real e-bike controller. I'd reckon it'd last longer, start smoother, accelerate smoother and all in all just be a better controller.

iirc a few of the members here have run RC controllers with hubs; I think it's been done before.

 

[mvly]

I would think it would work,, possibly very well. But, I would just spend a little more and get a real e-bike controller. I'd reckon it'd last longer, start smoother, accelerate smoother and all in all just be a better controller.

iirc a few of the members here have run RC controllers with hubs; I think it's been done before.

OK so it has been done, but how well did it do? and How long before it died? Having a tiny RC ESC to power my hub is pretty tempting. Maybe I can at least keep one as backup if my main controller every dies.

 

[adrian_sm]

The problem with the little RC ESCs is how they perform at low speed and high load. Their typical application has very light loads at low speed. They are not designed to limit the phase current spikes you see when starting from a dead stop on a bike application, and end up blowing up the ESC.

Some people are successfully running the Castle Creations Pheonic ICE HV160, but most people only use the smaller controllers in systems that avoid having the low speed high load situation. I have successfully run the TURNIGY K-Force 100A Brushless ESC and Turnigy Brushless ESC 85A w/ 5A SBEC on my friction drive, by enforcing a minimum speed before the throttle can be applied.

As a hub motor has higher inductance than the little RC motors this will help keep the ESC alive. Extra caps on the ESC will also help. I would also look for an ESC that can handle higher current than the one you linked to.

But as others have said it will definitely be cheaper to go for an ebike controller. I have a little 6fet, that happily runs 1.5-2.0kw.

Good luck.

- Adrian

 

[mvly]

Well I was hoping the 12s will help in terms of torque and slow start. I guess I can always try it once I have enough money saved up. I

Thanks for the response

 

[parabellum]

As Adrian said, not a good idea, I have successfully fried few ESC on direct driven setups. Only success was archived on scooter mode, where motor is separated from the wheel with centrifugal clutch. It means no load on low rpm (short duty cycle). I’m waiting for phase current limiting tool getting in sale, it should be a solution.
http://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=28935&start=75

 

[speedict]

no ! rc speed controller can not sustain high torque, e.g. you can try use 14" prop on 40A esc and monitor the current, around 8-10A can kill your rc speed controller.