New Supernova E3 triple.

[Eamon]

This link got posted to the Randon group.

http://www.supernova-lights.com/newsite/e3_triple.html

Supernova claims "up to 220 lm" for the single-emitter E3, using an SSC. The examples I've seen in action seem about right for that. Allowing for ~20% optical losses, they're pushing 275+ Lm out of that emitter. Even with perfect optical efficiency, that's a lot of output from a single-emitter dynamo setup.

The E3 triple makes aflat claim of 550 Lm from 3 emitters. Assuming the same 20% optical losses, those emitters are giving 680-odd Lm out of that same Dynamo setup. Additionally, they're getting useful light at very low speeds. The E3 single gives smooth and useful light at a walking pace.

Even with my limited understanding, they're getting 700-750Ma or more out of a 550Ma constant-current dynamo. As well, they're fitting all of the electronics and standlight capability into a small aluminum housing.
I can conceptualize a couple of ways that they could change .55A into .7-.75A, but I can't imagine them fitting into that housing.

AC frequency-controlled variable boost driver?

Mini stepdown transformer "upstream" of something like Martin's circuit #10 or his autoswitching circuit?

Elves?

Highly curious.

 

[znomit]

With the right capacitor you can create a peak that will suck a little more current from the dynamo(see martins page). Up to an amp I think but you lose current elsewhere.
If they are getting 550lm everywhere I'd be interested.

5.5v 1.5F supercapacitors are pretty small. I've been playing around with two and seem to give enough power for a standlight for a few minutes.

E3 triple looks fantastic.

 

[cave dave]

The numbers just don't add up.

They would have to run a SSC P4 well over 1000mA to get that kind of lumens and you would turn the P4 purple with rage. Its hard to get a SSC to produce more than 130 real lumens out the front.

 

[Leeland]

I recently bought a supernova e3 triple, and discovered I had a defective dynamo hub.

Please keep in mind that an led, is a Light Emitting Diode. Diodes control voltage. They change the AC from the HUB to DC.

My Shimano Dynamo was defective, and I made a repair. After repair using a wheel drill to turn the and a wired speedometer I found out that voltage measurements went on this 6 volt, 3 watt hub from .5 volts to 32.5 volts.

6 volts into 32.5 volts equates to 5 and 1/2 watts does it not. This means that my Dynamo at 19 MPH creates over 3/4's of an amp. Eat your heart out battery lovers.

my hub generator is an alternator, and the DC converter is the LED light circuit. Now that is making good use of electricity and saving the environment. Batteries should be outlawed.

Remember regulated dynamos may not get the same result as my unregulated one.

 

[saltytri]

I don't claim to be an expert, but I'd be reluctant to accept your assumption of amperage based on that calculation . Can you measure the actual current?