Hi guys,
Well, I've decided to put in an Enginer PHEV system into my Insight.
(See
Enginer | Prius Plugin PHEV Conversion Kit with Lithium-Ion | Hybrid for info on their Prius system.)
About my Insight.
- 2002
- 5 speed
- 120,000 miles.
- MIMA system with two joysticks (This is the second gen MIMA system with the pull pin, insert tap system)
I plan on adding 2KWH of Lithium batteries (LiFePO4)
Looking at others PHEV systems it would appear that I will most likely need to remove my spare in order to have room to install the batteries and keep them "below deck".
I installed MIMA myself and I'll be doing this install myself as well.
I have helped with 5 other Enginer installs in Prius, but this will be the first in an Insight.
Since the Insight has a bit less room below deck than a Prius I will probably need to move some components around. My initial idea is to put the battery under the storage pocket, mount the converter in the storage bin and the charger on the side space. I am interested in creating a battery box too.
Once I have the components I can start trying out some placement ideas.
I read through the entire thread about retepsnikrep's PHEV system and mine will not be nearly as powerful or complex.
For example, I don't think I'll need to open the OEM battery module.
At first blush it seems like I may be able to connect via the output terminals of the OEM battery module.
I look forward to hearing other's input and any other links to threads here on IC you think are pertinent regarding this PHEV conversion.
* * * * * *
Other details about the kit (taken from Dan Kroushl's summary on PriusChat.)
Battery Charger
Input 99-121VAC, 45-63Hz / Output 58.2VDC @ 15A
Efficiency = To be determined
Dimensions 8.0 x 5.38 x 2.75
Weight = 4.3 lb
DC/DC Converter
48-240V 3000W, Output does not appear to be adjustable
Efficiency = To be determined
Dimensions 18.75 x 6.88 x 2.75
Weight = 13.0 lb
Cell Balancers
Chargery DB8 Smart Digital Balancer
- Battery Types: LiPo and LiFe cells
- Cells Monitoring : up to 8
- Displays cell voltage, pack voltage and voltage differential
- Current drain for balancing: 300mA/cell.
- Balance accuracy: <10mv
- Over Charge Protection : 4.22V/cell (LiPo), 3.75V/cell(LiFe)
- Low voltage alarm: 3.00V/cell (LiPo), 2.80V/cell(LiFe)
- Voltage display resolution: 0.001V
- Voltage Detection precision: 0.005V
- Dimensions: 4.52” x 2.67” x 0.59”
- Weight:150g
When connected to a set of 8 batteries, the DB8 will lower the voltage of seven cells to the level of the lowest (eighth) cell. It will perform balancing while charging, idle and discharging. It can discharge 7.2Ah per cell per day. Two DB8's are required for a 2kWh kit.
