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This year things have stabilized. Any improvements would be more of refinements and possibly some semi boat tail experimentation.
Using the Insight CVT locally my average is closing on 70 MPG, with the VX closing on 60 MPG on the highway.
My real pursuit this year is the patent and a motorcycle project that will use the patented design in wheel IVT, with a small pressure washer motor (Honda) and a small accumulator to provide a real demonstration of two main points.
First is hydraulic hybrids do not need to be heavy. The bike will weigh about 200 pounds when finished, compared to close to 375 in its original configuration (1972 Honda CB 350).
Being an antique in Virginia, it will not need to be scrutinized by a state inspector that might reject it for no rear brakes since that will be accomplished by stroke reversal and regeneration. The front brake will only be used in emergencies. This easily allows complete regenerative recovery of all potential inertial forces.
Hopefully it will be operational this fall or winter, before my 60th birthday. It would be nice to see it capable of 50+miles on its fuel capacity of 1.1 quarts. The engine weighs only 27 pounds, accumulator will be about 35, and the rear wheel will weigh about the same as the original. Might even get the weight down to 180, less than I weigh.
I'll see how it does with no aero, hoping for 55 MPH, then add aero to improve top speed.
Probably carbon fibre spars and Mylar covering for little weight increase.
Should be an interesting year, the Patent is due in the next 3 months.
regards
Mech
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