HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLES

Recently, I made a Technical Paper Presentation(TPP), where (HEV) was my subject; uploading you guys with an abstract of this vast subject. Comments awaited.



Abstract

There has been a tremendous change in the automobile industry for example the way we drive an automobile, on-board computers, gprs, abs, airbags, variable suspension, power steering and many other luxuries... But, apart from these added features, the quest of the automobile industry has always been the ‘alternative fuel’ running vehicles. Manufacturers have made big strides forward in terms of hybrid and fuel cell technology.
A more recent development, hybrid electric vehicles (HEV’s) mate two or more types of engines Basic ideas on operation of hybrid vehicles were discussed from a view point of saving energy... These hybrids in technical parlance are called HEV’s. By using electricity and fuels alternately in different conditions we can achieve better fuel efficiency and emit lesser pollutants. Currently vehicles with conventional IC engines work at 30 – 40 % of maximum thermal efficiency. Using hybrid technology we could improve the efficiency and get 80-97 km / gal (50 – 60 mi / gal).
Automakers anticipate more government regulations designed to reduce emissions. Until cars with fuel cell technology come to market, automotive experts believe that car manufacturers will offer various types of HEV’s. Considering the failure of many countries to follow the Kyoto protocol, these HEV’s take an interim step in providing a greener and cleaner environment. The important advantage of this technology is its less dependency on gasoline at a time where fuel prices are rising astronomically. Thus HEV’s are highly efficient with a great potential to face the challenges ahead.