How does a hybrid engine work: operating principle

The main power unit of modern cars is the internal combustion engine. But in the face of depleting oil deposits and increasing requirements for the environmental purity of fuel, engineers are resorting to new technologies. A complete elimination of hydrocarbon fuel or a reduction in its consumption is ensured by an electric motor or a hybrid machine engine. The last part is installed on modern cars.

History of hybrid engines

A hybrid car engine is a system of a gasoline internal combustion engine and an electric motor. The brand Parisienne des Voitures Electriques first produced such vehicles in 1897. The American company General Electric began producing hybrids in 1900. The corporation's engineers created a car with a four-cylinder gasoline engine. A completely new type of transport was economically unfeasible due to low power and low cost of fuel.

Interesting to know! Hybrid trucks were not mass-produced in Chicago until the 1940s.

Due to the deteriorating environmental situation and the rise in fuel prices for internal combustion engines, the idea of creating mixed power units has become relevant in our time. The Toyota brand was almost the first to establish serial production of hybrids. Toyota Prius liftback cars were released in 1997. In 1999, Honda presented the Insight model. As of 2014, the number of hybrids amounted to more than 7 million.

Toyota Prius transmission repair

Dudin Denis September 3, 20149 473 ( 2 ratings, average: 4.00 out of 5)

The Toyota Prius V is one of the four minivans in the Prius lineup that returns for 2014 with an unchanged balance between fuel economy and space. Dubbed the "V" for its versatility, the midsize car borrows its powertrain and design cues from the world's top-selling hybrid Prius Liftback and is a top-five performer in the United States.

Now, after several years on the market since launching in the fall of 2011 as a 2012 model, the V will receive some changes, but "changes are still in the works" and nothing is known about the timing.

Overall, the non-luxury, front-wheel drive minivan meets or exceeds all the required standards, and its utility and efficiency makes it worth a closer look.

Operating principle and design of hybrid engines

Modern engineers explain in detail what a hybrid motor is in a car. The engine is a system of gasoline (diesel) and electric power plants. For full operation of the circuit, other computer-controlled components are used.

Full hybrid design

A description of its design will help you understand how a modern hybrid car engine works. The motor consists of:

internal combustion engine. The design of the part was developed to reduce weight, minimize fuel consumption and the amount of harmful emissions;
electric motor. It is generated with a fuel tank and can generate energy to charge the battery. The part is built into the power system or located separately. There are models with two placement options;
transmissions. Depending on the type of hybrid, there are integrated gearboxes, manual or automatic gearboxes. Some parts operate on the soft-load principle;
fuel tank. Provides fuel supply to the internal combustion engine;
batteries. In hybrid cars, two batteries are installed - a high-voltage one for running the engine and a 12 V one for powering the on-board system. The systems are started from a standard type battery - the high-voltage battery and the inverter operate only with constant cooling;
inverter Needed to convert the current coming from a high-voltage battery into three-phase alternating current for an electric motor, adjusting energy distribution;
generator. It works on the principle of an electric unit and produces electricity.

Interesting to know!
When burning 1 liter of gasoline and operating a battery weighing 4.5 quintals, the same amount of energy is obtained.

Functioning of the hybrid engine

The principle of uninterrupted operation of a modern hybrid engine is based on the separate or simultaneous functioning of the internal combustion engine and the electric motor. An on-board computer is used to control the system. The device determines the type of active power unit based on the driving mode:

on city roads an electric motor with low power is required;
when driving on a country highway, the fuel engine is activated;
in mixed mode (periodic stopping and acceleration), the units work together.

Important! During operation of the internal combustion engine, the electric motor is charged.

All answers

Toyota Prius (XW30) hatchback configurations

Recommended price, rub.

1.8 l, 99 hp, gasoline, CVT, front-wheel drive

1.8 Elegance 01.2012 - 04.2016 1,777,000 2ZR-FXE ZVW30L Add

1.8 Luxe 01.2012 - 04.2016 2,127,000 2ZR-FXE ZVW30L Add

1.8 Prestige 01.2012 — 04.2016 1,983,000 2ZR-FXE ZVW30L Add

as you can see in all 3 trim levels there is a CVT. If you open the package, there is also a variator

Main parameters Name of configuration 1.8 Elegance Production period January 2012—April 2021 Recommended price of a new car, rub. RUB 1,777,000 Drive type Front Body type Hatchback Transmission type CVT

Interaction diagrams between motor and internal combustion engine

The development of hybrid engine technology has led to the implementation of several options for the interaction of an electric unit and a standard motor.

Series circuit

In a series hybrid design, the internal combustion engine activates a generator, which produces energy to power an electric motor that turns the wheels. A sequential hybrid vehicle uses a low-power internal combustion engine, but only under conditions of maximum efficiency. Small car models are available with a large battery.

Parallel circuit

Equipping the car with a parallel hybrid system ensures wheel rotation from a gasoline and electric motor. The electrical installation also performs the functions of a starter and generator and is located between the gearbox and the internal combustion engine. Additional power is generated by the electric motor depending on the driving mode. Rechargeable batteries are compact and are charged while the vehicle is moving.

A detailed description of the parallel circuit for the hybrid powertrain of a modern car notes its disadvantage. The electric motor does not rotate the wheel and charge the battery at the same time.

Series-parallel circuit

A mixed hybrid combines serial and parallel operation. Electrical units work as a generator, creating electricity, and as a motor, creating traction. A planetary gearbox is used to combine the motors. The internal combustion engine produces a minimum of power during the Atkinson cycle, which ensures fuel economy. The parallel-series circuit design and the operating principle of a mixed hybrid engine suggest:

work in economy mode. On electric traction, the internal combustion engine is turned off, the electric motor is powered from the battery;
speed support. The power of the internal combustion engine is distributed over the wheel system and the generator. At this time, the parallel power unit is simultaneously powered and the battery is recharged;
intense acceleration. At high loads, the internal combustion engine and the electrical part operate in parallel. The electric motor is powered by the battery without loss of power by the generator.

Important! The principle of combined traction is most effectively implemented by the Toyota brand and is called Hybrid Synergy Drive.

Advantages and disadvantages of hybrid cars

Vehicles with a hybrid powertrain consume 30% less fuel compared to standard models. The benefits of using a hybrid car engine do not end there:

minimum amount of harmful emissions due to regenerative braking technologies and the presence of a capacious battery;
coordination of the functions of the internal combustion engine and the electric motor;
useful innovations - stop-start options, recirculation of exhaust gas mixtures (antifreeze is heated), changing the phase of gas distribution;
the presence of an electric water pump, a climate control system and power steering, improved tire rolling;
efficiency when idling in urban environments;
the possibility of a long trip without recharging the battery - the tank is refilled;
support of the selected mode through computer control;
low noise level of the running motor.

Types of hybrid units

A modern hybrid engine is an economical and environmentally friendly unit, but a review of the basic design options will help you fully understand what it is:

microhybrid powertrain. The electrical component of the drive is the starter or generator, which is responsible for the start and stop functions. Kinetic energy is used according to the principle of recovery, that is, it is converted into electrical energy. There is no drive exclusively for electric traction. Battery filled with fiberglass - 12 Volt, adapted for frequent starts;
mid-hybrid power unit. What does a hybrid engine mean in this case? The part supports internal combustion engine functions, but the vehicle does not run on electric power. Mid-range hybrids can regenerate some of their kinetic energy when braking. It becomes electrical and accumulates in the battery. The battery and electrical components operate at high power. In the mode of shifting the load point using an electric generator, the efficiency of the heat motor increases;
full hybrid power unit. The high-power generator is integrated with the internal combustion engine. There is a function of driving with electric traction at low vehicle speeds. The electric generator powers the internal combustion engine with start-stop function in operating mode. The high-voltage battery is charged during the recovery process. The separation clutch between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor ensures quick disconnection of one system from the other.

Interesting to know!

Microhybrid powertrains were first designed and produced by the Toyota brand.

Classification by degree of electrification

Depending on electrification, there are several types of hybrid cars.

Microhybrid

The models have energy recovery functions during braking and stop-start automatics. Microhybrids are divided into three types:

cars with a start-stop system;
vehicles with start-stop and regenerative braking;
models combining the two technologies, with a lead-acid AGM battery and an integrated starter/alternator unit.

With fuel efficiency and environmental friendliness, there is no electrical impact on the drive.

Important! These vehicles cannot be called 100% hybrid vehicles.

Mild hybrid

What is a mild hybrid engine? The electric power plant provides support for the internal combustion engine; operation in pure electricity mode is not carried out. Regeneration occurs only when braking. The design of the models does not include a flywheel; in its place is a starter-generator. Mild hybrids are characterized by low power, which is compensated by the electrical part only during acceleration or acceleration.

Interesting to know! The Kinetic Energy Recovery system of mild hybrid cars is also used in Formula 1.

Full hybrid

The electric part is used in city driving mode, while the standard internal combustion engine operates at high speeds. The connection diagram between an electric motor and an internal combustion engine is implemented in a sequential, combined or branched way.

The vehicle is not charged from the network, but only during the recuperation process. When the lithium-ion battery is discharged, you can switch to the internal combustion engine.

Hybrid plugins

What is a plug-in and is it a reliable hybrid car engine? The electrical part collects energy to charge the battery and, together with the internal combustion engine, ensures the rotation of the wheels.

Innovative models move using the forces of two motors and are distinguished by large, powerful batteries (from 70 to 100 horses). There is a charging port next to the gas filler door. A special feature of the plugins is that they can cover a distance of up to 50 km using electric power only.

Oil change process

To successfully change the oil in an automatic transmission on a Prius, preparatory procedures are of great importance, namely:

Preparation of appropriate tools, the list of which includes: Pliers; Socket and wrenches; Screwdriver Set; Clean rag towels; A capacious canister, basin or medium-sized bucket for draining waste; A funnel, filling syringe or other device for pouring new oil into a Toyota Prius automatic transmission;

Selecting and preparing the appropriate oil for Toyota Prius. There is an original transmission lubricant for the car model in question. This is a synthetic Toyota lubricant with code value 00289ATFWS, 0888681210. To replace the technical fluid yourself, you will need from 4 to 6 liters of lubricant. Among analogue oils, the most suitable substances are the following brands: Dexron VI; BMW 7045E; Nissan Matic; LT 71141; JWS3309;

Drive of additional accessories in vehicles with all-hybrid drive

Structural modifications to the drive of additional units consisted in ensuring that the components operated not from the internal combustion engine, but from electricity. The drive part of full hybrid models includes the following elements:

electric type vacuum pump. The part serves to reduce the pressure of the brake booster and maintains a low pressure supply when starting and stopping;
electrohydraulic power steering. Used to disconnect the internal combustion engine and the amplifier during automatic engine shutdown. The technology allows you to optimize fuel costs;
compressor air conditioner with electric drive. Responsible for cooling the interior during auto stop. The part ensures the disconnection of the compressor drive of the air conditioner and internal combustion engine. An electric compressor sucks in, compresses freon gas and directs it into the system for pumping;
air conditioner control unit. Regulates the evaporation temperature from 800 to 9000 min.

Important!

Full hybrid drive is the only hybrid option that combines start-stop, recuperation, electric mode and E-Boost.

Prospects for hybrid cars

The novelty of the combined engine technology leads to an incomplete understanding among car enthusiasts of what a hybrid engine is and how it works in such a car. Given the 20 years of development of the Toyota brand, hybrids have many development prospects. Cars with lightweight bodies, capacious and compact batteries, simple and fast charging, and an improved recovery mode will conquer the market in the near future.

In hybrid cars, the internal combustion engine is not subject to critical loads, and taking into account the Atkinson cycle, its service life is higher than that of a standard engine. To reduce fuel costs, vehicles are equipped with gas equipment compatible with electronic control units. Despite the external similarity to gasoline-powered vehicles, car owners are faced with the complexity of maintenance and a huge difference in cost. Even in the absence of breakdowns and significant mileage, the price of the car will pay off in 5 years. But the minimal fuel costs are worth the investment.

However, the future of hybrid transport lies only with plug-in models that really save fuel. The plugins are attractive due to their silent, smooth electric motor, the dynamics of a gasoline engine, provided by a massive electric boost. To use the car fully, it is necessary to develop the charging infrastructure - installing special sockets at gas stations.

Grade

Comparing the Chevrolet Volt and Prius Prime, journalists from the famous American publication Car and Driver immediately declare that the Prius Prime is scary. It’s even surprising, they comment, how such a conservative company as Toyota could create such an ugly car. At the same time, experts noted good visibility and comfortable rear seats, with more space than in the Chevrolet. The car's interior is quiet, the steering is light, and the suspension is as soft as goose down. Overall, the Prius Prime handles like a minivan: soft, secure and dull. The car's acceleration is sluggish, like a golf cart, and clearly does not correspond to its status. While the Prius Prime won't appeal to those who enjoy a spirited ride, the car's reputation for reliability and peace of mind may be enough for fuel-obsessed buyers.[47]