Prime mover disposition for hybrid electric vehicle, comprises IC engine, driving one axle, and electric motor, supplied by battery-backed engine-driven alternator

摘要

IC engine (2) drives gearbox (7) input shaft (18), to which alternator (11) is also coupled, through clutch (5). Gearbox output shaft (19) drives front wheels (8). Management unit (1) carries out clutch operation (6) and gear-changing, and has control over engine throttle (3). Alternator (11), also used as engine starter, charges battery (14) and supplies traction motor (9) which drives rear wheels (20). Alternator and motor can both operate in inverse modes as motor or alternator. Management unit monitors (13) battery charge state, voltage and current. Driver's wishes are input to unit via accelerator pedal position sensor (15) and mode selector (16).