Power Calculation Formula:
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The brushless motor power calculation estimates the electrical power required to produce a specific thrust at a given velocity, accounting for the system's efficiency. This is crucial for selecting appropriate motors and propellers for boat applications.
The calculator uses the power equation:
Where:
Explanation: The equation converts mechanical power (thrust × velocity) to electrical power by dividing by the system's efficiency.
Details: Accurate power calculation ensures proper motor selection, prevents overheating, and optimizes battery life and performance for electric boat propulsion systems.
Tips: Enter thrust in Newtons (measure or estimate from propeller specs), desired velocity in m/s (1 m/s = 1.944 knots), and system efficiency (default 0.85 is typical for brushless systems).
Q1: How do I estimate thrust for my propeller?
A: Thrust can be measured with a scale or estimated from propeller specifications and RPM using propeller thrust equations.
Q2: What's a typical efficiency for brushless boat motors?
A: Efficiency typically ranges from 0.7 to 0.9, depending on motor quality, propeller match, and operating conditions.
Q3: How does this relate to battery requirements?
A: Divide power by battery voltage to get current draw. Multiply by runtime hours for battery capacity (Ah) needed.
Q4: Should I add a safety margin to the calculated power?
A: Yes, it's recommended to select a motor rated for at least 20-30% more power than calculated for headroom.
Q5: How does water density affect these calculations?
A: The calculator assumes standard conditions. For saltwater (higher density) or heavy loads, thrust requirements may increase.