Overview of the Nohassel e-bike propulsion system

[PerBear]

The Nohassel is a special propulsion system for electric bikes.

It is basically two motors and a special gearbox in a single
mechanical unit. This unit is mated with two electronic speed
controllers (ESC) and a rather simple microcontroller. By implementing
a special control algorithm total system efficiency is kept above what
is currently possible using a single e-bike motor.

Additional techniques like pulse injection and rapid high current
charging LiFePo4 battery with integral battery management system are
used to improve regeneration efficiency during braking and to reduce
unwanted braking during coasting.

The final goal is to create as complete as possible production
documentation for a cost-efficient and reliable propulsion system and
give this away into public domain.

System targets:
Total weight added to a cycle: less than 5 kg (including motor unit,
control and battery)
Range: more than 30km on a single charge on a normal bicycle, 50km on
a velomobile
Max legal speed (Pedelec): 25km/h
Max speed (e-moped): more than 45 km/h
Max continous power: 250W on wheel
Max peak power: more than 1kW
Max regen power: more than 2kW into batteries (short bursts)
Fully weather protected and corrosion resistant

Major obstacles are believed to be:
1) Lack of resources (funding, time, people)
2) Legal issues (Pedelec and moped standards)
3) Patent infringements?