Recent content by A-Spec Reviews

It's been a while, and I've figured a couple of things out about this system and I have now a clearer path of development . Before I throw money at a system that might not work anyway, I really need to get my hands on more realistic simulation tools (the tests I run currently in simulations are...

I don't care about peak power numbers, lap times, or 0-60s. I care about not idling at a stop, being able to recoup energy from deceleration, and not having to downshift when climbing a hill on the freeway. An eTurbo can do one of these three things (downshift reduction.) Mercedes-Benz uses an...

In my acceleration simulations, I was flooring the accelerator, shifting at 3000 rpm each gear This was with a conventional manual, so no torque converter was involved. As for the more "real world tests" I did, the traffic AI in the simulator I use likes to brake unpredictably, dropping from the...

Yes, it's only 13hp, but electric motors have massive torque. The OEM systems from manufacturers like Mercedes pull 184 lb-ft (at 0 rpm) out of a 48-volt system. Current is unknown, but I'd guess 500+ amps. The most torquey 72-volt permanent-magnet motor I could find could do 60 lb-ft at 0 rpm...

48-volt hybrid systems are becoming more and more popular, especially in Europe. If you put enough amps behind a 48-volt system, you can get 10kW of assist. With a 72-volt system, the same amperage would get you 15-17kW. Unfortunately, you can't just buy a 48-volt assist motor. I have seen some...

How many volts would I need though? The G2 Prius runs 500V, which is INSANELY dangerous. I have a G1 Prius that runs 275V, also very dangerous. The motors I'm looking at run 72V, which is an order of magnitude safer.

@AlexLTDLX my goal with this system is to save fuel and reduce emissions while improving drivability and performance. At low RPM, the motor would fill in to prevent the engine from needing to go open-loop and run super-rich to extract as much power as possible. It may also help avoid...

@MkngStffAwesome the point of this system is A: Start-stop smoothly and quickly, without using a traditional starter. B: Generate power during engine braking, and re-deploy it to improve efficiency and torque. Answer to 1A: Start/stop would only engage when creeping at 6mph or less with foot on...

Why am I doing this? Well, I'm NOT doing it to add power. The two main reasons for this concept are start-stop and regenerative braking (which can help deliver extra power when needed for acceleration.) The Prius (I have a 2002 model) gets great mileage because its engine is run at its most...

I've been thinking about this for a while - what if you could convert your run-of-the-mill combustion-engine automatic transmission car into a mild hybrid? My inspiration for this idea is the fact that low-voltage hybrids (typically 48V) are all over the place in European countries, and they...