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From: bryan@jpl-devvax.JPL.NASA.GOV (Bryan L. Allen)
Newsgroups: ca.environment,sci.electronics
Subject: Re: Electric Dreams
Summary: Series-hybrid research vehicle info
Keywords: Series-hybrid, electric vehicle, research
Message-ID: <9667@jpl-devvax.JPL.NASA.GOV>
Date: 25 Sep 90 22:57:08 GMT
References: <38772@ucbvax.BERKELEY.EDU> <1990Sep20.231021.5512@amd.com> <38776@ucbvax.BERKELEY.EDU> <cald02QCcaDa01@amdahl.uts.amdahl.com>
Reply-To: bryan@jpl-devvax.JPL.NASA.GOV (Bryan L. Allen)
Organization: Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA
Lines: 54

In article <cald02QCcaDa01@amdahl.uts.amdahl.com> terry@amdahl.uts.amdahl.com (Lewis T. Flynn) writes:
>
>Has anyone investigated a hybrid gasoline/electric car? It strikes me
>that this may combine the best of both methods by using an electric
>propulsion system with a small, low horsepower generator as a means of
>extending range. This is hardly a new idea as nearly all modern
>railroad locomotives work this way as do many large ships, but I've
>never seen any study done as applied to automobiles or trucks. I seem
>to remember that it only takes 2 or 3 horsepower to maintain freeway
>speeds (it's getting to those speeds that takes more, but the battery
>system could provide that energy and then be recharged), so this looks
>feasible.
>

There was just such a device displayed recently here at JPL. Some excerpts from
their handout follow [my comments are in brackets]:
***
                XA-100 -- UNLIMITED RANGE ELECTRIC VEHICLE
The XA-100 is a conventional 5-passenger Chevrolet Corsica converted to hybrid
electric propulsion drive. An electric motor and controller have replaced the
stock gasoline engine and an engine [single-rotor Norton Wankel]/alternator
option provides power for long trips.

The XA-100 uses electric power from its [8 deep-discharge marine] batteries 
for short around-town & commute trips, emitting zero exhaust emissions. On long
trips the engine/alternator [they claimed an alternator efficiency of 96%!; the
main drive motor was much lower-tech (~65-70% efficient, no regenerative braking
capability)] provides a continuous supply of power that permits unlimited range
with only periodic stops for refueling like a conventional car. The emissions
from the engine are minimized by operating in a constant-speed constant-load
operating mode [plus they had left the original exhaust and catalytic converter
in place and pipe the Wankel's output through it]...

This research project is funded by the California Energy Commission's Energy
Technologies Advancement Program with matching volunteer labor from members of
the Electric Auto Association and students and staff from Stanford University.
[Various other companies and groups have also given support to this project]. 
***

The emphasis of this car was, according to representatives, to use off-the-shelf
parts to build a minimally-polluting vehicle. They were soliciting comments on
the design and the project. You could try contacting them for more information
at: Hybrid Electric Vehicle Project, P.O. Box 8683, Stanford, CA 94309, (415)
857-9340 (voice), (415) 723-4659 (fax).

Another relevant address is: Electric Auto Association, 1249 Lane St., Belmont,
CA 94002.

For info only; I have no connection with either of these groups.


-- 
            Bryan L. Allen       bryan@devvax.jpl.nasa.gov
            Telos Corp./JPL      (818) 354-1487