Microcontroller

I have been researching what kind of microcontroller systemt to purchase to control the MDM. I did find some powerful but inexpensive ones such as the leaflabs maple:

leaflabs maple

Which has a 72Mhz 90MIPS processor (complex motor control needs about 12-25 MIPS) that uses an open source version of C that is easy to program in. However I would have to write the code for it basically from scratch, this would be a lot of work so I decided to purchase something with more support for motor control with some pre-written library files. I got a microchip evaluation board for BLDC motor control, I also bought an inexpensive BLDC 3 phase motor with built in hall sensors from ebay. I plan on setting up the board with the small motor and getting all the software working, then bypass the mosfet state in the board and drive the honda MDM directly.

microchip

MDM module wiring

With the Honda insight manuals in hand I went through the wiring to the MDM module this evening. I am 99% sure this is correct but I'll double check it before I apply power.
It looks fairly easy to hook up.

Parts

Parts arrive from ebay

Got my parts in the mail. Two IMA rotors and stators and two inverter/DC-DC converters. Unfortunately one of the stators was damaged. The packaging was ok so the ebay seller must have damaged it. Now I have to wrangle with the seller to obtain another stator piece....

Edit: the seller apologized and has apparently sent out a replacement motor unit, should arrive next week

3 phase control

I've been reading up a lot on 3 phase motor control while waiting for my motors and controllers to arrive; I've found a lot of good information online, these are two of the best links:

instructables arduinio motor control

3 phase motor control made easy

Edit: the control is a lot more complex than I thought and will require more computing power, so my initial assumptions were incorrect. Fortunately there are a number of microcontrollers on the market with enough power and some of them have brushless DC library files for easier programming.

More CAD

I bought a flywheel and clutch at the weekend; I measured it up and made a proper CAD model of it. Here's a couple of shots.
I'm still waiting for my brushless motors and controllers; I've been reading up on 3 phase control.

Designing the parts in CAD

I have been working on some concepts to get everything to fit together. I only have the transmission in my shop so I've been using photographs online to estimate sizes and shapes.
I have a pretty good idea how the system will fit together, one large bearing at the flywheel end and a small one at the opposite end. I might use a roller bearing at the smaller end to counteract the thrust load when the clutch is depressed.

Here's an image from my current concept.