Study of heat engine/flywheel: hybrid propulsion configuration with electrical transmission system. Phase I. Final report

Technical Report · Sat Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1978

OSTI ID:5072579

A study was performed to conceive and evaluate a flywheel/electrical transmission system for a hybrid-heat engine automobile. Each of the mechanical and electronic options were evaluated in a five passenger family sedan and were ranked according to cost, weight, and fuel economy. The primary use of this transmission system is to augment the heat engine with energy from the flywheel in such a manner as to level engine loads and improve the overall vehicle efficiency. The benefits of using this system are as follows: (1) provides fuel economy, which is unobtainable with conventional propulsion arrangements; (2) acceleration and passing performance same as provided by large V-8 engine; (3) meets 1985 Federal emission standards; (4) reduces direct operating cost for the consumer; and (5) reduces heat engine size. The hybrid's fuel consumption if 39.5 mpg, compared to 15 mpg projected for a conventional vehicle. This represents a 263% improvement in fuel economy. The hybrid also provides a 40% savings in direct operating cost.

• Research Organization: AiResearch Mfg. Co., Torrance, Calif. (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: EY-76-C-04-0789
• OSTI ID: 5072579
• Report Number(s): ALO-41/1
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

25 ENERGY STORAGE
250500 -- Energy Storage-- Flywheels
33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS
330400* -- Advanced Propulsion Systems-- Hybrid Systems
330500 -- Advanced Propulsion Systems-- Flywheel Propulsion
330602 -- Vehicle Design Factors-- Engine-Transmission Matching
AUTOMOBILES
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
COST
ELECTRIC MOTORS
ENERGY STORAGE
ENGINES
FEASIBILITY STUDIES
FLYWHEEL ENERGY STORAGE
FLYWHEELS
FUEL ECONOMY
HEAT ENGINES
HYBRID SYSTEMS
MACHINE PARTS
MECHANICAL TRANSMISSIONS
MOTORS
STORAGE
USES
VEHICLES
WEIGHT