Sequential scheme of a hybrid car. What is a hybrid car

21.06.2019

A hybrid engine (or hybrid) is a power plant that uses several types of fuel (two or more sources) and the synergistic effect of their combined use. It can be gasoline and electricity, gasoline and gas, diesel and electricity, hydrogen, gasoline and electricity, and many other combinations. Good, modern technology allows you to do this.

History of hybrid engines.

Considering a hybrid engine as some kind of cutting-edge invention is a slight delusion. Yes, modern hybrids are a high-tech engineering project, but if you look closely, the hybrid engine dates back to the 19th-20th centuries. So, in 1897, the French company Parisienne des Voitures Electriques began to produce cars with hybrid engines.

A little later, in 1900, the famous American corporation began to master the production of hybrids. General Electric. Interestingly, hybrid trucks were manufactured in Chicago until 1940, although, in general, this was a non-serial production.

Didn't take root hybrid technology at that time for several reasons. First, fuel and energy prices in those years were so low that they discouraged any economic viability of producing hybrids. Secondly, the power of a conventional gasoline engine was definitely much greater then.

energy crisis recent years associated with the rapid rise in energy prices, as well as tightening environmental standards spurred manufacturers to develop and manufacture efficient next-generation hybrid engines. A modern hybrid is, as a rule, a system of two main power plants: gasoline (or diesel) and electric. In addition to them, several more providing nodes are involved in the chain. For example, they can be: an electric generator, a battery (accumulates charge), an inverter (converts direct current to alternating current) and an electronic variator. All this is controlled and controlled by a modern powerful computer, which increases the efficiency of energy use by dozens of times compared to traditional manual or analog control. The fuel part of the system can work simultaneously with the electric part, but separate cycles are also provided. It is important that while working fuel system, electric does not stand idle, but accumulates (accumulates) energy.

The device, the principle of operation of a hybrid engine. To date, there are several types of hybrids:

Sequential (series hybrid). With this arrangement, the engine internal combustion drives a generator, the electricity from which powers the electric motor. The latter, in turn, rotates the wheels of the car. This approach allows you to use Gas engine low power provided that it will constantly work at maximum efficiency. Cars with this scheme are usually small and have a large battery (for example, Chevrolet Volt);
Parallel (parallel hybrid). In this case, the wheels of the car are driven by both a gasoline engine and an electric one. Depending on driving conditions, the electric motor can generate additional power. This pattern is very common. Batteries in this case are compact and are charged directly while driving. vehicle. Main disadvantage The problem is that the electric motor cannot turn the wheels and charge the battery at the same time. A similar scheme has been implemented in Civic vehicles Hybrid and Volkswagen Touareg hybrid;
Series-parallel (mixed). From the name it is easy to assume that the third type combines the two previous ones. On this moment this is the most efficient hybrid scheme. Combined traction (petrol engine plus electric motor) can be used to turn the wheels. In addition, an electric motor can simultaneously generate electricity (act as a generator) and generate thrust (as a motor). The disadvantage of the scheme is its very high cost.

An example of a mixed circuit is the Hybrid Synergy Drive from Lexus (Toyota). There is a 3.3-liter gasoline engine, 2 electric motors and a battery. For communication between these three structural elements, a power distribution device with a compact planetary gear, which reduces energy losses due to friction. To control the energy flows, there is a control unit and a semiconductor switching device. The inverter in the HSD installation converts the battery's DC current into alternating current for an electric motor.

An electric motor is used to move the car at low speeds and to start. This allows you to save gasoline and move off smoothly. Upon transition to normal mode driving, a gasoline engine is turned on, which works in parallel with electric motors. Excess energy is given to the battery. During acceleration, the internal combustion engine is actively working. In braking mode, the so-called regenerative braking system is used, when the electric motors operate in generator mode, recharging the battery. Those. in the main modes of operation, a gasoline engine is used, and in intermediate (transitional) electric ones.

Advantages and disadvantages of a hybrid engine. Of course, despite high level technology, hybrid plant It has both undeniable advantages and some disadvantages that leading engineers continue to work on. Let's start with the advantages:

efficient fuel consumption and saving up to 35%;
low level of toxicity of exhaust gases;
low noise;
excellent handling and smoother acceleration of the car;
full control of the installation using the on-board computer and electronic systems;
battery components hybrid cars mobiles are easy to dispose of and recycle;
regenerative braking system helps conserve energy;
long battery life in a hybrid vehicle.

Among the disadvantages of hybrids, it is worth mentioning the following:

the high cost of cars with a hybrid power plant;
high cost of spare parts and repairs. It is unlikely that it will be possible to repair it on your own, and so far they can only provide a full-fledged service to such cars only in very major cities. In addition, there may be hitches with the supply of the necessary spare parts;
the electrical system does not tolerate significant temperature changes.

A popular misconception about hybrid engines is the loss of power and efficiency. power plant. It's not like that, with the power of a hybrid full order. In addition, no special fuel is required for refueling.

The world's leading automakers have already appreciated the benefits of hybrid engines. Every year the number of hybrid cars is growing, gaining more and more popularity among drivers. The markets are expanding. The hybrid engine is a real masterpiece of engineering, an ultra-modern economical and environmentally friendly device, which holds the near future of the global automotive industry. In view of the rise in price hydrocarbon fuel we can safely predict that in 5-10 years hybrid power plants will be widespread throughout the world.

The critical situation with the environment and the constant rise in fuel prices are forcing transport manufacturers to look for new solutions. Internal combustion engines (ICE) are improved, modified and “mixed” with electric motors. Why this is done, how a hybrid engine works, we will consider in today's publication.

The idea of connecting two units (an internal combustion engine and an electric motor) cannot be called new. In 1897, the French company Parisienne des Voitures Electriques began producing cars with hybrid engines, and a little later, the American General Electric released the first hybrid with gasoline four-cylinder engine. But then such an innovation turned out to be economically inexpedient. Fuel was cheap, and the power of the hybrid car was inferior to that of traditional models. But times have changed. Fuel prices are rising, the environment is deteriorating. Cars with mixed powertrains became relevant and began to gain popularity.

In simple words about complex

What is a hybrid engine? A hybrid engine is a system consisting of two interconnected units: electric and gasoline. They can work both separately and simultaneously. Manages this system on-board computer car. It decides, depending on the driving mode, which type power unit must be activated at a given moment in time.

For urban driving, when the engine is not required to generate high power using an electric motor. While driving on country roads, the computer turns off the electric motor and activates the fuel unit.

In a mixed driving mode, when the car's engine is running under load with periodic accelerations and stops, the two units work in tandem. Moreover, during the operation of the fuel engine, charging in progress electric. deserve special attention.

Saving energy in hybrid engines

It is known that a huge amount of energy is expended on the movement of a car. In this regard, a natural question arises: how can an electric motor, even under conditions of low loads, work for a long time without an additional trailer with batteries. To understand the principle of operation of the car's electric motor, you need to trace the whole process from the start of movement to the stop.

When the car starts or moves at low speeds, all the work is carried out by an electric motor, which is powered by a battery. Further, his task is to accelerate the car to the maximum possible speed for the electric motor. After that, the computer gives a command to turn on the fuel engine. Wherein ICE part energy is given to the generator, which replaces the battery and continues to feed the electric motor instead of it, simultaneously charging the battery. The car at the same time works on two power units at the same time.

When moving with average speed the electric motor is turned off, only the internal combustion engine is running, replenishing the battery energy supply. With an increase in the load on the internal combustion engine, an electric motor comes to the rescue again. But electricity is replenished not only by ICE operation. Brake mechanism car with hybrid engine It is designed in such a way that the energy generated during braking is converted into electrical energy and also goes to power the electric motor. Such braking is called "regenerative".

The algorithm of work considered above describes the general picture of the operation of a hybrid power unit of a car. To date, there are three types of such motors: sequential, parallel and mixed.

Series hybrid circuit

The principle of operation of such a scheme can be considered the simplest of hybrids. Internal combustion engine in this type is an auxiliary element and is intended for the operation of the generator. The generator, receiving energy from the internal combustion engine, converts it into electrical energy and feeds the electric motor, which sets the car in motion.

Such a scheme, as a rule, is used in low-power cars (compact cars). But the battery used has a large capacity, with the ability to charge from a conventional power outlet. Large capacity The battery allows you to minimize the use of internal combustion engines, that is, the car can move on an electric motor that is powered only by the battery. Chevrolet Volt is one of the car models that uses a series hybrid scheme.

Hybrid car parallel circuit

The principle of operation of the parallel circuit is that the internal combustion engine and the electric motor are installed in such a way that it becomes possible to use them both together and separately. But still, the main function of the electric motor in such a circuit is the creation of an additional ICE power when accelerating. Besides the electric motor carries out functions of a starter and the generator. Batteries with this scheme do not require additional recharging, they have enough energy generated during movement.

Honda Insight, Honda Civic hybrid, BMW Active Hybrid 7, Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid - models with parallel circuit hybrid engine.

Series-parallel hybrid circuit

In this internal combustion engine scheme and the electric motor interconnects the planetary gearbox, with the help of which the power from both engines is transmitted to the drive wheels.

The mixed circuit differs from the parallel circuit in the presence of a generator that creates energy for the electric motor.

Toyota Prius, Lexus RX 450h, Ford Escape Hybrid are representatives of a full hybrid.

Advantages of hybrid engines

The main advantage of hybrids is its economy. The minimum fuel saving is 20%, which is quite a tangible advantage in the face of rising prices.
Sharing two engines reduces CO2 emissions.
Excellent driving performance, which are achieved due to the rational accumulation and subsequent redistribution of power generated jointly by the two engines.
Compared to traditional car the hybrid has a tangible power reserve, that is, it can continue to move even with an empty tank.
The characteristics of hybrid engines are completely identical to traditional models with internal combustion engines, contrary to prevailing stereotypes, and taking into account other advantages, sometimes even surpass them.
Electric motors are almost silent, which adds comfort during vehicle operation.
Compared to an electric vehicle, the battery of a hybrid is charged by a fuel-powered engine, which increases its range.
Refueling the car is carried out with the same gasoline as traditional cars.

Disadvantages of hybrids

The high cost of the car.
Car maintenance is expensive. It is unlikely that it will be possible to repair such a machine on your own, and it is very difficult to find qualified craftsmen. There will also be problems with components.
Changes in climatic temperatures have a bad effect on the battery and lead to their self-discharge.

Externally, cars with hybrid powertrains do not differ from classic gasoline counterparts. Of course, if models of cars with hybrid engines had the same cost as analogues with internal combustion engines, and maintenance did not cause difficulties, hardly anyone would refuse such a car. But at the moment, the reality is that the difference in the price of a hybrid and an analogue is an average of $ 4,000. Even if we take into account all the advantages of such machines, including fuel economy, the difference will still be disproportionate. If there are no breakdowns, and the mileage is significant, the car will pay off in best case in five years. This state of affairs does not inspire optimism. But as they say: "How many people - so many opinions", so the choice always remains with a particular person.

Due to their efficiency and reliability, Toyota hybrid cars are of great interest to the consumer. Smooth running and stability on the road, it turns out, are far from all the advantages of this Japanese car. Excellent driving performance machines are amazingly combined with economical consumption fuel. The Toyota Prius hybrid car is powered by two power sources: electric motor And internal combustion engine(ICE).

Let's try to figure out how, with an increase in power, a car can consume gasoline at the level of a small car. The device of the Toyota Prius hybrid car consists of:

internal combustion engine (ICE);
electric motor;
planetary gear(power divider);
generator;
inverter;
battery.

The internal combustion engine and the electric motor can work simultaneously, alternately and complement each other if necessary. IN hybrid device, the torque power moment to the wheels can be transmitted directly from the electric motor and internal combustion engine in various proportions.

This is done using a planetary gearbox (power divider), which consists of a set of gears. Four of them are connected to a gasoline engine, and the outer one is connected to an electric motor. Another satellite is connected to the generator, which, if necessary, sends energy to the electric motor or charges the battery.

One of the main advantages of the Prius can be considered that, unlike electric vehicles, charging a hybrid car does not require a connection to the mains. The processor, which controls all the actions of the machine, recharges the battery from the internal combustion engine if necessary.

Working principle of a hybrid car

The main task of Toyota engineers was to create economy car, which on the track would not be inferior to powerful " iron horses”, but at the same time would have a small engine consumption. For this, a combination of an internal combustion engine and an electric motor was used. To achieve maximum efficiency, in the Toyota Prius, both power sources can work separately, together and in parallel.

So the working principle hybrid Toyota Prius. The engine is started and the vehicle is accelerated using a traction electric motor. It rotates the outer satellite of the planetary gearbox and thus transmits torque to the wheels. But you won't get far on a battery. Therefore, as soon as the car picked up speed, the internal combustion engine is turned on.

The combined use of an electric motor and an internal combustion engine makes it possible to achieve maximum efficiency(coefficient useful action) of the entire system, since. When the brake is pressed, the internal combustion engine is turned off and the so-called regenerative braking occurs (all energy from the resistance is converted into electrical energy), in which the electric motor, operating in generator mode, charges the battery.

If the car needs to increased power, for example, for overtaking, the electric motor is turned on again, the energy of which is quite enough for a sharp increase in speed. The schemes of operation of hybrid cars were calculated to increase the efficiency of the car and reduce the emission of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. With an increase in fuel consumption (when you press the gas pedal), the control computer sends a signal to the power divider and turns on the electrical source, which allows the internal combustion engine to operate in unloaded mode.

Toyota has a unique reliability and flexibility, since motion control is carried out mostly by wire, bypassing the use of complex components and assemblies. By the way, in the Toyota Prius hybrid, the generator acts as a starter and helps to "spin" the internal combustion engine to the required 1000 rpm.

Engine operating mode

Start. Movement using only electric traction.
Movement at a constant speed. In this case, torque is transmitted to the generator and wheels.
The generator, if necessary, recharges the battery and transfers energy to the electric motor. In this case, the summation of the torques of both traction units occurs.
Forced mode. The electric motor, receiving additional power from the generator, enhances the power of the gasoline engine.
Braking. The hybrid brakes mostly with the help of an electric motor. However, when the pedal is pressed hard, the hydraulic units are activated, and braking occurs in the usual way.

Engine (ICE)

Toyota hybrid engine type - Hybrid Synergy Drive (hybrid synergistic drive), which allows you to combine two power sources: an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. Let's find out which fuel engines installed on the Prius.

In the mid-1950s, an engineer Ralph Miller proposed to improve the idea James Atkinson . The essence of the idea was expressed in increasing the efficiency of the internal combustion engine by reducing the compression stroke. It is this principle, now often referred to as the Miller/Atkinson cycle, that is used in Toyota's hybrid engines.

So, Toyota Prius hybrid, how the engine of this car works. Unlike other ICE models, the compression process in the cylinder does not begin at the moment the piston starts to move upwards, but somewhat later. So before closing intake valves part of the mixture of fuel and air goes back into intake manifold, which allows to increase the time during which the pressure energy of the expanding gases is used. All this leads to a significant increase Engine efficiency, increase the efficiency of the unit, and also increases the torque.

Engine Specifications:

Volume - 1794 cubic cm.
Power (hp / kW / rpm) - 97 / 73 / 5200.
Torque (Nm / rpm) - 142/4000.
Fuel supply - injector.
Fuel - gasoline AI 95, AI - 92.

Consumption of Toyota Prius hybrid per 100 km in the urban cycle is 3.9 liters, on the highway - 3.7 liters.

Toyota car electric motor

The design of the hybrid synergic drive provides for the use of traction motor. Power Toyota Prius electric motor - 56 kW, 162 Nm. This unit ensures the movement of the car from the start to the set constant speed, turns on when the car overtakes and brakes. The entire Toyota Prius system is thought out to the smallest detail. The hybrid car is charged while driving, from the internal combustion engine through the control generator.

Accumulator battery

The hybrid is equipped with two batteries (main high-voltage and auxiliary), both are located in the trunk of the car. The main device of the car battery is made of nickel-metal hydride alloy and has a capacity of 6.5 Ah, voltage 201.6 V. This unit has its own cooling system. Inside the high-voltage battery there is a controller that controls the process of charging each cell (block) of 168 cells in total.

The consumption and recovery of battery power is controlled by the vehicle's control processor. Accumulator battery Toyota Prius does not require recharging from the electrical network, this process is carried out while driving and braking (for the most part) of the vehicle.
Auxiliary battery: 12 V (35 Ah, 45 Ah, 51 Ah).

Conclusion

Despite the relatively high cost, hybrid cars are attracting more and more interest from buyers. Compared to other hybrid vehicles, the Toyota Prius does consume significantly less fuel, and has low level release of carbon dioxide.

The idea of creating a hybrid car using an electric motor appeared more than 100 years ago. Hybrid vehicles perform several basic functions:

Saving expensive gasoline by replacing it with an electric motor.
Hybrid vehicles are more environmentally friendly than classic gasoline vehicles.
Increase the distance covered by the hybrid engine due to the use of two energy sources.

Hybrid cars and their device

There are mild and full hybrid vehicles. The design of moderate hybrids uses a gasoline engine as the main one, and connects an electric power source as a safety net in rare cases. Full hybrids mean the possibility of using an alternative power source as the main engine.

Hybrid car designs

There are several types of hybrid designs, distinguished by the way the engine is connected:

Vehicles with sequential circuit connections. Within the framework of the scheme, a low-power internal combustion engine connected to an electric generator was used. The electric motor drives the machine and is the main driving mechanism. Hybrid car models with this scheme are the Chevrolet Volt, as well as the Opel Ampera. In such cars, electric batteries of increased capacity are used.

Serial scheme for connecting nodes

Parallel connection scheme. Within the framework of this scheme, both gasoline and electric motors. Basically, a 20 W electric motor is used, which increases with increasing vehicle speed.

Parallel scheme for connecting nodes

Mixed, series-parallel circuit. The principle of construction of such an engine is similar to the engine with a parallel circuit, but a generator is added to the mixed circuit, from which the electric motor is powered.

Serial-parallel scheme for connecting nodes

How does a hybrid engine work?

When the car starts moving, the supply of the electric motor and battery is consumed. On high speed a gasoline engine is connected to the operation of electric energy sources. As a result of the operation of the gasoline engine, a certain excess of energy is generated, which recharges the generator. The generator powers the electric motor, which in turn charges the battery.

When braking, the principle of regenerative braking is used - in this case, the electric motor acts as a generator, feeding the battery. Thus, the energy obtained as a result of braking is used for the benefit of the car.

Hybrid car device

A hybrid car consists of the following main components:

Gas engine(internal combustion engine). But in hybrid cars, unlike classic ones, the internal combustion engine is low-power, as it is used in tandem with an electric motor.
Electrical engine. Alternative source energy for the car. Often, such engines use recuperation technology - the electric motor works not only as a power plant that sets the car in motion. It also acts as a generator, storing energy during braking and descending hills.
Generator intended for the production of electricity.
Rechargeable batteries store a supply of electricity for the electric motor.
Fuel tank used to store gasoline for internal combustion engines.
Transmission allows you to control both the internal combustion engine and the electric motor.

The device of a hybrid car on the example of Toyota Prius

The hybrid car is designed, first of all, for the efficient use of energy resources. To achieve this effect, several techniques are used:

Braking energy is used through recuperation technology.
Gasoline is saved by switching the mechanism to the operation of an electric motor.
In the production of the hybrid machine, lightweight materials are used that facilitate the design, thereby reducing resource consumption.
The aerodynamic properties of materials and structures are effectively used.

The industry of hybrid cars is actively developing, because so far we cannot talk about the perfection of these designs and their availability. Let us consider in more detail some of the advantages and disadvantages of hybrid car designs:

Savings in fuel and energy consumption. The undoubted advantage of hybrids is cost reduction, besides, the electric motor can independently produce energy.
Ecology. Hybrids are significantly less harmful environment than classic cars.
Travel distance. Hybrid cars are fueled much less often than regular gasoline cars.
Hybrid batteries are much lighter and more convenient to use than electric car batteries.
The electric motor runs almost silently.
A hybrid car can do without an internal combustion engine on city streets.

But there are some disadvantages associated with hybrid cars:

Batteries of electric motors must be constantly operated, otherwise the period of operation is reduced. In addition, they are able to discharge themselves, do not tolerate sudden changes temperatures. The infrastructure of enterprises capable of properly utilizing these elements has not yet been developed.
The complex design of the engine makes it difficult and expensive to repair. Often, parts cannot be repaired and new ones have to be ordered from manufacturers, which delays the repair process.
Hybrid engines work primarily with petrol cars, although the use diesel fuel more economically beneficial.
The cost of cars with hybrid engines is much higher than the average in the market. Such expensive purchase not everyone can afford.

Despite some shortcomings, the hybrid car industry is developing and improving dynamically. With each new season, manufacturers present the best hybrid cars with a wider range of functions and more affordable for car enthusiasts.

Why do we want to discuss with you the question of how a hybrid engine works? The thing is that in most areas of our life today there is an interaction of various technologies, which as a result give more effective methods, devices and mechanisms. The engines for our beloved vehicle did not stand aside either. We will talk about the principles of operation, the pros and cons of such units on this page.

How a hybrid engine works - in simple words about new technologies

If we have already begun about mixing technologies, then we should explain how this also applies to the topic we have touched on. The hybrid engine also combines two types: fuel (gasoline / diesel) and electric. This cocktail, of course, is imperfect, but it has brought a lot of positive things to the life of motorists. But more on that below, but first you need to disassemble the principle of operation of a hybrid engine.

The fuel part of such a motor can work together with the electric one, but it is also possible to implement completely independent cycles. Of course, cars with a hybrid engine are equipped with computers that correctly distribute the load on both parts. So, outside the city, where the power of the power unit is important, gasoline or diesel technology, besides, exhaust gases are not so detrimental to humans on the highway.

But in the city, the electrical component mainly works, because this option is cleaner and more economical. Cars with a hybrid engine are able to serve themselves, this applies to the electrical part of the motor. The electrical component does not idle while the fuel one is working, it accumulates the generated energy in order to use it again later.

Situations are not ruled out when both elements of the engine work simultaneously, for example, during acceleration, when the car requires large power costs.

Hybrid engine device - circuit description

What does a hybrid engine mean, we briefly analyzed. Now I would like to go a little deeper and consider its scheme. It should be noted that there are as many as three of them. Therefore, let's start with the simplest, which is of the least interest to us - this is a sequential hybrid. The electric motor is the main participant in the launch and movement of the wheels of the vehicle, but the (ICE) is only supported by it, it spins the generator.

For today's car, such a hybrid engine device will not be the best option, after all, capacious batteries, small-capacity internal combustion engines are required, and the car itself will be slow and clumsy. Although there are still some representatives among the car fleet, for example, ChevroletVolt. But because of the dominant electrical component, it has all the disadvantages of electric vehicles, take at least the dependence of mileage on a single battery charge, but this is gradually being solved by using a turbo-ICE.

The following circuits are called parallel and mixed. The mixed scheme is most often found in Lexus and is a close interaction between the electric motor and the internal combustion engine. They work together, setting the car in motion, the principle of operation is built in such a way that even the transmission is stepless, far from what we are used to. Such options are very modern, but also very expensive.

But the scheme we are used to is called parallel and is quite common. The electric motor here is, though not leading, but indispensable assistant, insuring the internal combustion engine in cases of need for additional power. Batteries are not large and capacious, which makes them easy to charge while driving, and they are always ready to respond on demand.

Hybrid car - pros and cons

The information would be incomplete without indicating the positive and negative aspects hybrid motors. Of course, there will be more pluses, but there are also minuses, as in everything new and little studied by the consumer. For example, for some reason, the most common is a hybrid gasoline engine, although everyone has long known efficiency and big power"diesels". But there is no secret here, because, firstly, the technology was developed overseas, i.e. in America, and there they are still poorly familiar with diesel fuel. Secondly, a hybrid would cost even more, although the price of such technologies is already far above average.

A little skepticism is caused by hybrids due to the electric motor, i.e. its batteries. This is a rather capricious element that requires permanent operation, otherwise the service life of the hybrid engine will be significantly reduced precisely because of it. It does not tolerate temperature extremes, it can self-discharge, and in the future there are ambiguities with its disposal.. Also, a shadow on the reputation of mixed motors is imposed not only by their high cost, but also by the high cost of components and repairs, if necessary. And it's impossible to do it on your own.

Well, now we can talk about pleasant things. We can safely talk about environmental friendliness and economy, this is true, at least based on the dual nature of the unit. The presence of a battery allows you to drive longer without refueling, saving everything technical indicators up to date. This battery does not need to be charged, the car is refueled only with fuel. The engine, thanks to the computer, always works in optimal mode no matter how you try to "rape" him. Sometimes such cars can move without fuel at all, and they are also distinguished by their low speed, the engine is barely audible.