I'm interested in extending the range of my project, to that end I would like to know if the VESC has the ability to support an Auxiliary power unit generator. to support the feature the controller would need to be able to first start and then manage an ICE powered generator. ideally this engine would drive a three phase motor/alternator in a manor similar to regenerative braking. one of my many questions is can the controller direct power from onw motor to another while bypassing the battery?
Pardon? Maybe draw a diagram?
You could use a custom application the VESC to drive some of the expansion pins which might let you control an external petrol generator. Honestly I'm not sure what you want, what you're trying to achieve and what you think you have available to achieve it.
the link shows a simple diagram for how the generator would be connected. I'd have a micro controller managing the engine speed with a servo.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cqTh7ivmxxM/Xz1uVtBUXXI/AAAAAAAAKAU/ndlx_gpohPkT4mOlMef5Eftq0Gk7bs-BgCK8BGAsYHg/s0/2020-08-19.jpg
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A VESC can only drive one motor. There are 3rd party VESC controllers that have 2 VESCs in one unit that could drive 2 motors. But this is such an unique design I think you'd be on your own.
Do note that regenative braking only recovers approximately 30% of the energy put into it the rest is wasted as heat in the MOSFETs.
My interest is primarily in transferring the power from the Generator to the Traction motor, not in recharging the battery.
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Can you just run a 72v power supply off the generator and connect that supply to the battery?
I want to be able to start/stop the generator automatically.
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