TOYOTA PRIUS HYBRID
The Prius is a parallel configuration hybrid, a vehicle that can run on just the combustion engine, just the electric motor, or a combination of both. Toyota's design goals are to reduce the amount of pollution and to maximise fuel efficiency. To do this, it uses a gasoline(petrol)/electric hybrid powertrain, incorporating large batteries that are charged by the gas (petrol) engine directly or by regenerative braking. Either the engine or the battery (or both) can power the vehicle, depending on conditions. This gives it the acceleration and power of a standard car having a much larger internal combustion engine. Specifically, the Prius incorporates:
More efficient use of the internal combustion engine (ICE), reducing fuel consumption. The 1NZ-FXE engine uses the more efficient Atkinson cycle instead of the more common Otto cycle;
Two electric motor/generators, MG1 and MG2 are in the transaxle. The MG2 provides 50 kW (67 hp) @ 1,200 to 1,540 rpm and 400 N·m (295 ft·lbf) torque from 0 to 1,200 rpm, which significantly contributes to performance and economy. The MG1, with rpm from -10,000 to +10,000 rpm, provides the engine starter and counter torque for the electronic Continuously Variable Transmission;
50 kW IGBT inverter controlled by a 32-bit microprocessor, which efficiently converts power between the batteries and the motor/generators.
Lower coefficient of drag at 0.26 (0.29 for 2000 model), with a Kammback design reducing air resistance, especially at higher speeds;
Lower rolling-resistance tires on the 2000 model, reducing road friction;
Regenerative braking, a process for recovering kinetic energy when braking or travelling down a slope and storing it as electrical energy in the traction battery for later use while reducing wear and tear on the brake pads;
Sealed 168-cell nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery providing 201.6 volts; supplied by Panasonic EV Energy Co
Continuously variable transmission — the Prius uses a simple torque combining device, a planetary gearset. Through computer management of the electric motor/generator and secondary motor and the ICE engine throttle the effect is that the drivetraine behaves as though there were a continuously variable transmission. Toyota calls it the Power Split Device[4]. The electric motors and gasoline engine are connected to a planetary gear set which is always engaged, and there is no shifting.
Flexible resin gasoline tank, reducing the amount of hydrocarbon emissions in the form of escaped gasoline vapor; (US model only)
TOYOTA PRIUS HYBRID
