AVL Turbo Hybrid Concept based on the Bmw 3-Series
By Andrew C., 30 Aug, 2010. 0 Comments
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Although there are many and varied benefits one can get from a hybrid machine, the fact is hybrid driving is simply monotonous sometimes. However, AVL insists that that could change and it is currently developing a system that will bring back the thrill into fuel-economical driving since, according to them, with equally efficient cars the customer will always opt for the one that's fun to drive. Fun and Economy have been seen as mutually antagonistic elements in car manufacturing until AVL, that is. The idea behind AVL's design is a smaller engine coupled with a wider gear ratio spread and taller final drive ratio to lower engine speed, thus efficiency can be greatly enhanced. This concept has been successful in models like the Chevrolet Cobalt XFE.
This system, when placed side by side with electric hybrid drive boost efficiency even more particularly in low-speed city driving situations where hybrids do extremely well. The fun in driving is drastically reduced in combustion-electric combinations at higher paces. This is where the turbo system of AVL comes to the rescue. The turbo provides the missing top and mid-range power, bringing back the thrill to an otherwise boring drive, while enhancing fuel-economy at higher paces.
The tests conducted by AVL using a BMW 320i revised to accommodate the Turbohybrid powertrain with the help of Bosch and LUK, demonstrate a 10 percent plus boost in fuel economy while improving performance at the same time. The greatest consideration in buying a hybrid is the cost and AVL claims to have found a way to lower that. By using the turbocharger's overboost to recharge the hybrid system, the electrical components of the hybrid system can be simplified to reduce overall cost, providing a better value for money. The next step in this system is to add more efficient and higher-capacity batteries with a dual clutch transmission. There is still no current plan for the commercial selling of this promising system.
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