Quote:
Originally Posted by jamesqf
To start out with, a hybrid is not going to do much for you, if you want to keep the current engine, and have the large hauling/towing ability available on demand. That's down to the fundamental logic of hybrids. You can find it discussed at length elsewhere here (or on the web), but briefly a vehicle uses much less power to cruise down the (level) road at steady speed than it does to accelerate. IC engines are typically much less efficient at low load (see threads on BSFC maps). So a hybrid works by using a small engine that's more optimally sized for cruising, and adds power from electric (or hydraulic) for acceleration.
Second point here is that the size of the batteries needed depends on the mass that you're going to accelerate. The battery that works acceptably in my 1850 lb Insight isn't going to do squat in a truck that size, even unloaded. And conversely, a battery that is big enough is going to cost big bucks.
(Side note: if you read articles on hybrid trucks, you'll see that they're aimed at applications with a lot of stop & go, like UPS delivery, garbage trucks, and so on, where they get the benefit of constant regen, and which is why hydraulic works better. But you're doing highway commuting, so not much chance for regen.)
As others have said, improving aerodynamics is your best bet. I'd suggest looking at the tapered bed caps others have done, and maybe even a boat tail.
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Thanks, Well, actually it only "sort of" a hybrid the way I'm thinking... with the 4x4 transfer in neutral... the cummins is off. So its more 100% E at that point. Run the PS, PB nad 12 volt alt run of a belted aux motor. That could be a little B&S for that matter... or a small motor off the main batts...
Oh... this whole eco thing is empty non-loaded (except for the bats) non-towing miles. For that its back to the Cummins and its original design... that's why I wondered about the concept of a slide out battery bank(s).
Actually for a true hybrid... I do have a 65 hp 4 cyclinder Industrial Duetz diesel... let it charge the batteries.. and be part of the slide in????. On batteries... not sure yet... likely just a bank of marine deep cells if we can work out the numbers. See... outside the box... I can design a "dock" here for the slide in. Back in.. disconnect. drive away.
Actually work is thinking of offering plugin's for e vehicles... so that will be 1/2 the commute E on their dime... but it hasn't happened yet... so I need to carry enough for the 120 mile RT, or just fire up the cummins and run normally 1/2 way home when the e runs out.
On the level, with 6000lbs trailer behind it... still got 16 mpg at 55 mph... so the battery slide in will haul reasonably when necessary (ie their dead). i.e. Put it in 2wd... front axle drive disconnects on the Dodge in 2wd remember... e-motor then stationary... fire up the cummins... with the clutch if you still rolling, and keep going. Its an idea anyway.