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U.S. Department of Energy
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Baseline tests of the Kordesch hybrid passenger vehicle

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/7034722· OSTI ID:7034722

The Kordesch hybrid passenger vehicle is propelled by an electric motor that receives its energy from a spark-ignition-engine-driven alternator and an electric battery system. It was tested at the Transportation Research Center of Ohio Test Track, East Liberty, Ohio, between August 17 and September 22, 1977. The tests are part of an Energy Research and Development Administration (ERDA) project to assess the state-of-the-art of electric and hybrid vehicles. The Kordesch hybrid vehicle performance test results are presented. The Kordesch hybrid is a four-passenger Austin A40 sedan that has been converted to a heat-engine-alternator- and battery-powered hybrid. It is propelled by a conventional, gasoline-fueled, heat-engine-driven alternator and a traction battery pack powering a series-wound, 7.5-kilowatt (10-hp) direct-current electric drive motor. The 12-kilowatt (16-hp) gasoline engine drives the 7-kilowatt alternator, which provides electrical power to the drive motor or to the 96-volt traction battery through a rectifier. The propulsion battery consists of eight 12-volt batteries connected in series. The electric motor is coupled to a four-speed standard Austin transmission, which drives the rear wheels. Power to the motor is controlled by a three-step foot throttle, which actuates relays that control armature current and field excitation. Conventional hydraulic brakes are used. There is no regenerative braking.

Research Organization:
National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Cleveland, Ohio (United States). Lewis Research Center
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Division of Transportation Energy Conservation
DOE Contract Number:
EX-76-A-31-1011
OSTI ID:
7034722
Report Number(s):
CONS--1011-14; NASA-TM--73769
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English