The Electric Falcon
Bowling Green State University's 'Electric Falcon' was a review of a SERA prototype Formula Lightning car.
Initially powered by a dc motor rated at 29.84 kW and drawing more than 400 A. Although the prototype reached almost 90 mph, its lack of battery power meant its top speed was fleeting.
Realising the existing powertrain needed updating, the team developed an ac induction motor rated at 60 kW at 8,000 rpm with a peak output torque of 80 lb-ft - developed frrom a C-TAC 3-phase motor manufactured by Lincoln Electric Inc.
Powered by 312 Vdc the Electric
Falcon required required 26, 12-V batteries. A total of 104 batteries — four complete sets. Each of the four sets was grouped into eight packs — six with three batteries each, and two packs with four.
The powertrain evolved from a direct drive through hypoid gearing to a differential. In the end, BGSU settled on a Supercharger Systems Inc. cog-belt system which provided the highest efficiency and lightest weight, but also the most efficient ratio compromise for racing conditions.