ElectricMotorcycleForum.com
Makes And Models => Zero Motorcycles Forum | 2013+ => Topic started by: evrolix on September 13, 2013, 03:45:12 PM
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Hi,
I have a 2013 model.
I see the temperature warning light coming active when I am driving at high speeds ( > 140 km/h).
On my work-home travel there is a stretch of about 20 km of highway.
When I go up to 140 km/hrs (and higher) the temp warning light comes up after 5 to 10 minutes.
Can reproduce this every time.
When I slow down to 110-120 km/hrs the light disappears.
Ambient temperature is between 10 C and 30 Celsius.
Has anyone seen this?
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Yes, that sounds about right. Zero claims a sustained top speed under nominal conditions (no headwind, flat) of 80 mph = 129 kph. This is limited by controller (primarily) and motor (secondarily) thermal capacity; operating at high power for a period of time causes the components to reach their thermal capacity and restrict power.
There are really three stages to the thermal indicator lights (see page 4.13 in the owner's manual):
Stage 1: Temp light blinks, indicates to the user they're nearing the limit.
Stage 2: Temp light goes solid, motor restricts power.
Stage 3: Controller stops powering motor to allow the bike to cool
I think normally Stage 3 shouldn't be reached. Perhaps if ambient temperatures are very high in conjunction with high speed riding..
If you're riding uphill or into headwind, then the temp light can come on even below the nominal sustained speed limit.
Zero's cooling strategy for the 2013 bikes is fairly simple, passively cooled components not in the direct airstream in combination with a relatively small motor controller. It's simple and works fine for moderate riding conditions, but is a limitation at sustained high speeds or in race conditions.
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So am I correct in saying that the FX/DS/S can all be used at wide open throttle for atleast 5 minutes before the temperature gets out of control for the controller and motor?
I want to know the duration when a Zero powertrain can run at it's maximum output.
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Thx for the explanation!
Greetings, E
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It will depend upon ambient temperature, airflow over the cooling fins, RPM operation (for example, WOT at a steady 70 mph going up a steep uphill grade is different from WOT at 95 mph vmax).
At moderate temperatures - mid 80s - my 2012 S can hold vmax for approximately 5 minutes before dropping back.
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It will depend upon ambient temperature, airflow over the cooling fins, RPM operation (for example, WOT at a steady 70 mph going up a steep uphill grade is different from WOT at 95 mph vmax).
At moderate temperatures - mid 80s - my 2012 S can hold vmax for approximately 5 minutes before dropping back.
Mine too, unless it glitch again and again... ::)
At 80mph the power to the motor is about 15-20kW wich is above the max continuous 12kW rated so the cooling become not enough i guess...