Converting Internal Combustion Motor to an Electric Motor

As was mentioned above, HP = HP. So, it would make no difference whether the internal combustion engine is designed to use gasoline or Diesel fuel. That is, assuming that the load is constant.

There is an advantage with the Diesel engine when a sudden load is encountered, as it typically has more rotating mass. Therefore, it could more easily absorb a sudden load increase with minimal speed change. But, this increased rotating mass has a downside; and that is that the Diesel engine cannot accelerate at the same rate as the gasoline engine due to the higher rotating mass. Of course if the engine can start with little load and the full-speed load is constant, this has no effect whatsoever and whether one chooses a gasoline engine or a Diesel engine is usually a matter of preference.

You should consider the type of load that is now being moved by the Diesel engine when you choose the type of electric motor and drive controller. If you have a significant starting load you may wish to consider a DC motor and drive controller. But of course there have been tremendous advances with AC motors and the variable-frequency drives that are available today. Many of these modern AC combinations rival the DC motor and drive with their torque characteristics and speed control.

Good Luck!

Ing. Robert Forbus