For you All Electric Coach Only guys

[belfert]

I wonder if the seller meant to type 800 amps?  That would make a lot more sense although 800 amps would seem a little small for 200KW at 208 volts. 

Actually, 800 amps is just about right as an overload for this unit.  Don't forget it's three-phase; you need to divide by 1.73.

The seller says it includes an 8000 amp breaker.  I assume the seller means 800 amps.

I am assuming a single phase unit since it says 120/208 volt.  Can you even do 120 volt three phase?

[Sean]

I am assuming a single phase unit since it says 120/208 volt.  Can you even do 120 volt three phase?

120/208 is a three-phase voltage.  It's 120 phase to neutral, and 208 phase to phase.

-Sean
http://OurOdyssey.BlogSpot.com

[WVA_NATIVE]

Electric drive train is lurking in the Hybrid bus near you.

The Orion VII has a traditional rear axle with a big electric motor driving it. Reverses for regenerative braking, battery bank is on the roof, out of the way, floor is low at both doors, good for a midships toy hauler?

There's a choice of engines for the generator, Cummins ISL is popular, mounted sideways at the back.

Engine RPM is variable, depending on the load and charge in the battery bank. Throttle pedal commands the electrics, not the engine.

Similar to Toyota's Prius, no real fuel savings at highway speed, but somewhere 20% better in the city.
Also, some manufacturer's concerns about steady long haul highway use, but a busnut should be able to overcome those cooling issues...

happy coaching!
buswarrior

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What size electric motor do these buses take?

WVaNative

[belfert]

Electric drive train is lurking in the Hybrid bus near you.

The local transit authority is running hybrids from Gillig.  The main issue is the upfront cost.  Each bus costs $200,000 more than a diesel only bus.  They are expected to save 1965 gallons of diesel per bus per year.  My estimate is well over 25 years to break even.  A lot of local citizens complained up front about the waste of money.  These buses will cost more per mile over the life of the vehicle (unless fuel prices at double or triple in cost) as they get replaced every 12 years.

These buses are using the Allison electric drivetrain.  (MCI is also using this for their hybrid commuter coaches.)  It appears Allison has built an electric motor into one of their automatic transmissions.