|
|
|
|
|
01/09/2006
 Email to a friend
 Comment on this article
|
A hybrid powertrain combining advanced pressure boosting with electric torque assist in a single unit, could soon be reducing the cost of meeting tough CO2 targets while maintaining high vehicle performance, writes Roger Bishop.
European Automotive Design has been tracking the technology – the SuperGen I-Hybrid – since it was first proposed as a design (EAD March 2005) by Integral Powertran. Since then we have covered the extremely compact (patented) planetary transmission (EAD, October 2005) now being used at the heart of the unit. Designed by NexxtDrive, this unit delivers continuously variable transmission without clutches, torque converters or mechanical gear-changing.
A fully engineered unit is now undergoing testing at Integral’s UK facility.
The unit, connected by a belt to the engine crankshaft, contains a compressor, two electric motor/generators and the NexxtDrive gearing that allows the speed of the compressor to be varied from zero up to 150 times crank speed. Depending on vehicle mode, a set of control algorithms determines the energy flow between the electrical machines and a capacitor bank capable of storing 300kJ. When needed, up to 14kW of electrical energy is dynamically allocated between direct torque assist and pressure boosting to improve torque output from the engine. It can be applied to gasoline engines and diesels, acting as a pre-booster.
Initial results from hardware testing, based on a 1.4 litre gasoline engine in a C segment vehicle, demonstrate that the SuperGen i-Hybrid system can deliver good performance (0-100km/h in 7.7s) and CO2 levels of 120g/km – in line with ACEA target proposals.
Dynamometer testing will continue until the autumn. Designs and control strategies are mature and there is said to have been considerable interest from major OEMs.
|
|
| |
Author
Roger Bishop
|
| |
| |
Copyright European Automotive Design.
See Terms and Conditions.
One-off usage is permitted but bulk copying is not.
For multiple copies contact the sales team.
|
| |
|
|
| |
To access the whitepaper section you need to complete our 60 second registration process. Once completed this then allows you to download any and all white papers, register for e-zines and access our detailed supplier directory for FREE.
If you are all ready a registered user then enter your e-mail address and login.
You will need to have logged in prior to entering your comments in the boxes provided.
|