How Hybrids Work

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Hybrid-electric vehicles (HEVs) combine the benefits of gasoline engines and electric motors
and can be configured to obtain different objectives, such as improved fuel economy,
increased power, or additional auxiliary power for electronic devices and power tools.

Some of the advanced technologies typically used by hybrids include

 Regenerative Braking. The electric motor applies resistance to the drivetrain causing the
wheels to slow down. In return, the energy from the wheels turns the motor, which functions
as a generator, converting energy normally wasted during coasting and braking into
electricity, which is stored in a battery until needed by the electric motor.
 Electric Motor Drive/Assist. The electric motor provides additional power to assist the
engine in accelerating, passing, or hill climbing. This allows a smaller, more efficient engine
to be used. In some vehicles, the motor alone provides power for low-speed driving
conditions where internal combustion engines are least efficient.
 Automatic Start/Shutoff. Automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle comes to a
stop and restarts it when the accelerator is pressed. This prevents wasted energy from
idling.

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For fuel economy information on these vehicles, please visit the Compare Side-by-Side
section.

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Hybrid vehicles

A hybrid automobile is a vehicle that uses a combination of multiple sources of energy. It

could be for instance a combustion engine, electric motor and an accumulator, fuel
cells, ,electro motor and an accumulator, combustion engine and flywheel etc. to name a few.

It's the combination of a combustion engine, electromotor and an accumulator that is the
most wide spread and effective for LCE. That's why we are going to focus on this concept
and will describe its advantages.

The effectiveness of today's combustion engines runs in a range of 30-40%. Gas (petrol)
engines' effectiveness is on the bottom on the range while the diesel enginesare somewhat
better. This value is mostly based on the effectiveness of the thermodynamic cycle itself
which has some clear physical limitations. Therefore we cannot expect to see much of an
improvement in the future. The main problem is that the current effectiveness is at its
maximum and is reached only when the engine works under optimal conditions.

This effectiveness can therefore be reached only rarely under the normal working conditions
and the overall effectiveness then is significantly lower. The extreme case here is an
operation in idle position when the engine consumes fuel while the car doesn't perform any
activity. As the combustion engine can acceptably perform only at a limited range of RPM the
use of transmission is necessary.

The transmission brings another not insignificant energy loss. The number of gears is usually
also limited which creates yet another reason why the engine cannot work at its optimum
conditions.There are also continuous transmissions but their effectiveness is even somewhat
lower.

Current electric engines' effectiveness, on the other hand, comes at around 95% and all that
at a wide range of RPM and load. Ideal solution would therefore seem to be in use of electric
automobiles. Unfortunately, an excessive weight and a small operating range per charge
prevent usage of this system. The recharge then takes a significant amount of time making
the electro mobile practically almost useless for an every day operation.

The effort to combine both of these systems resulted in a concept called Hybrid
Vehicle(HEV). LCE is well suitable for mass production HEV. In fact this concept is already
used for many years in Diesel-Electric Locomotives.

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Linear combustion engine is suitable for serial hybrid vehicles. Combustion engine hasn't
mechanical connection with wheel, but only supplies electrical power to a storage battery. In
fact this concept is already used for many years in Diesel-Electric Locomotives.

One of the advantages is that there is no need for transmission as the traction motors can
work effectively in a wide range of RPM. There is also no need for a differential gear when
two engines are used. Another option is in use of four smaller engines one for each wheel
resulting in a full-fledged four-wheel drive without a need for a complicated axle
differentiation.

The greatest advantage of this system is that the combustion engine operates only at its
optimal regime. The engine completely turns off when the accumulators are charged.

The picture illustrates a schema of a series hybrid vehicle.

It is clear that the use of LCE in mass production is ideal. It can increase car's effectiveness
as well as decrease its weight. More compact design then allows for a less traditional
placement of the unit - for instance under the vehicle floor.

What is a Hybrid Vehicle?

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hybrid vehicles

Mankind has made a huge impact on the environment. Although science and
technology are continually progressing, it is also the cause of the planet’s
deterioration. Natural resources are being depleted to sustain the demand of a
growing population. Although we have been gifted with logic and reasoning we are
also prone to excess and carelessness that will inevitably bring about our demise.
Although eradicated species and holes in the ozone layer can’t be restored, scientists
are finding ways to help the environment and maintain whatever it has left.

One of the main contributors of pollution is cars. Transportation is a necessity so this

problem is not easy to solve. Scientists and automotive companies have come up with
a solution for environmental conscious customers. Hybrid vehicles were created to
answer environmental issues and provide alternatives for customers.

What is a hybrid?

A hybrid vehicle is a type of automobile that depends on different power sources other
than fuel (ex. diesel, petrol). These vehicles are either powered by internal combustion
engines, electric motors, or a fuel cell and a rechargeable energy storage system.
These types of power sources can be applied to different type of vehicles for public
and private transportation.

Automotive companies today are continually developing this technology to be able to

cater environmental friendly cars and deliver quality brand vehicles at the same time.
They are turning to popular type of vehicles such as SUV’s to expand the appeal of
hybrid technology.

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Hybrid vehicles were designed to reduce emissions and save fuel. With the continuing
rise of gas prices and global warming campaigns, more people are searching for
alternatives to decrease dependence on fuel. This technology will also contribute to
the general health of the public because car emissions pose a threat to one’s health.

These vehicles are able to achieve this purpose in four ways. It shuts down the diesel
engine during stops or idle periods. It has a battery storage that enables it to store and
reuse the energy that it has recaptured. It’s able to recapture energy that is usually
wasted while breaking. It relies on two power sources, the diesel engine and the
electric motors to reduce fuel consumption during peak power usage.

This type of vehicle is very convenient for traffic ridden areas. It also reduces noise
emissions when the vehicle is operating at low speeds. Hybrid vehicles are practical
and convenient cars for everyday living in the city.

What is Vehicle Hybridization?

Anyone can choose to ignore the incessant global warming campaigns. Most
of us simply forget that we live on earth which is slowly deteriorating because
of our actions. But all of us cannot tolerate the continuing rise in gas prices.
Customers today are looking for alternatives to save on fuel costs. Fortunately
hybrid vehicles have given us the option to save gas and help the environment.
Hybrids are no longer restricted to a conventional 4 door sedan. Hybrid SUVs
are also out on the market today to meet the demands of the customers.

Ever since the Toyota Prius came out, other automobile companies have
devoted their research in developing their own hybrid technology. Ford and
Honda have their own hybrid system incorporated into new models. Hybrid
vehicles are expensive for now but development in the future will make them
more accessible and affordable for the general public. The technology is still
going through development to be able to compete with the fuel dominated
automobile industry.

Hybrids have different types. Their structures may differ in some ways but
generally they have a rechargeable battery on board or an electric motor that
works with an internal combustion engine to move the vehicle. In other
vehicles they can operate a rechargeable battery alone but there are many
limitations to this type which has prevented it from being widely manufactured.
These vehicles are primarily moved by an electric motor and only use the
diesel engine for high speeds.

There are different degrees of hybridization. Full or strong hybrids that can run
just by using an engine, its batteries are a combination of both. Examples of
this are the Toyota Prius and Ford Escape. These two vehicles can move by
battery power alone and be assisted by their diesel engines when needed.

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Power assist hybrid uses its engine for primary power, coupled with an electric
motor to boost torque. The electric motor is connected to a power train and is
mounted between the engine and the transmission.

Mild hybrids are conventional vehicles with huge starter motors. This allows
the engine to be turned off during idle periods and coasting but still enable the
vehicle to start quickly. Most people do not consider this type to be a hybrid
but it can still save fuel costs. It’s just not as efficient as full hybrids.

Hybrid vehicles are perfect for suburban environments where there is a lot of
traffic. If you really look at it the most important is not horsepower but gas
mileage.

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