Quote:
Originally Posted by redpoint5
Energy conversions are inherently inefficient, so improvements in processing any particular energy conversion needs to be extremely efficient to offset the losses from additional conversions.
ICE converts energy from chemical > heat > mechanical.
Throw in series hybrid and the process is chemical > heat > mechanical > electrical > chemical > electrical > mechanical.
The electro-chemical conversions are more efficient than the initial chemical > heat conversions, but they still represent loss of efficiency.
If internal combustion ever got to say 70% efficiency, it would be game over for alternatives. The density of fossil fuels combined with high efficiency conversion would be an insurmountable obstacle. That doesn't appear likely, so we will see EV powertrains begin to displace ICE.
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. . . provided a white paper calculating that the application of the Atkinson Cycle to a diesel engine could yield a tad over 60% thermal efficiency. Use of various materials in construction could pull out a few more percentages. Your 70% efficiency target is not that far off for the intrepid.