DIY mild hybrid idea

[mort]

Originally Posted by pete c

Yes, I do recall reading about that a few years back. Seemed like a very good idea. Did GM give up on it?

Hi pete c,
Over the last decade or so there has been an international effort to define a spec for stop-start with regeneration. The standard uses a 42 volt motor-generator, either belt driven or crakshaft, and 36 volt (nominal) batteries. Most car companies either have or are developing such systems. Parts companies Bosch, Continental (ISAD), Delphi, Denso, Gates (EMD), Siemens, Valeo (MArs), Visteon, ZF-Sachs Dynastart (ISG) and others have systems available now. Several cars have had start-stop without regeneration over the last 30 or so years. Building on those systems or starting fresh, Audi, BMW, Honda, Mazda, Mercedes, Toyota and Volvo have cars available this year or next. GM too, trucks for now. It seems like a relatively inexpensive change that provides about 7% improvement in the EPA urban cycle.
-mort

[pete c]

I agree, mort. it would seem to me that a higher voltage starter/alternator with regen/mild hybrid capabilities is a no brainer.

Most of the added cost would be in the battery and even that wouldn't be much if you didn't get carried away with battery capacity.

A more robust higher voltage alternator would cost a little more, but, eliminating the starter would recoup a good part of that.

Other savings in weight and material costs would result from smaller gauge wire used with higher voltage systems.

[Frank Lee]

Great. Then 12v batteries will phase out of the mainstream and cost a fortune.

I know: how about 500 lbs less extraneous electronic crap per vehicle?

[pete c]

Originally Posted by Frank Lee

Great. Then 12v batteries will phase out of the mainstream and cost a fortune.

I know: how about 500 lbs less extraneous electronic crap per vehicle?

i'm with ya, but, most americans ain't. they like their powered everything.

[serialk11r]

Originally Posted by mort

Hi pete c,
Over the last decade or so there has been an international effort to define a spec for stop-start with regeneration. The standard uses a 42 volt motor-generator, either belt driven or crakshaft, and 36 volt (nominal) batteries. Most car companies either have or are developing such systems. Parts companies Bosch, Continental (ISAD), Delphi, Denso, Gates (EMD), Siemens, Valeo (MArs), Visteon, ZF-Sachs Dynastart (ISG) and others have systems available now. Several cars have had start-stop without regeneration over the last 30 or so years. Building on those systems or starting fresh, Audi, BMW, Honda, Mazda, Mercedes, Toyota and Volvo have cars available this year or next. GM too, trucks for now. It seems like a relatively inexpensive change that provides about 7% improvement in the EPA urban cycle.
-mort

Is this to say 42V electrical systems will become standard soon? That would be nice... Another reason for this would be electrically driven superchargers and electrical turbine generators which would improve the efficiency of forced induction vehicles tremendously, which I think Subaru is trying to do?

[junkyard]

Sounds like the vues idea of being hybrid.

[California98Civic]

Originally Posted by pete c

the alternator ... recoup a little energy through regenerative braking.

This second idea in your OP has been discussed before. I was thinking of a three way switch when I first considered my alt cut-out: on, off, and braking were to be the three settings. I opted for a simple on/off because my knowledge is still too limited. I thought of the on/off as a baby step.

I am sure the alt would help braking, though very modestly.

[rmay635703]

Originally Posted by drmiller100

alternators make crappy electric motors.

starter motors are better, as are golf cart motors.

Aircraft motor generators are best.

[rmay635703]

Originally Posted by Frank Lee

Great. Then 12v batteries will phase out of the mainstream and cost a fortune.

I know: how about 500 lbs less extraneous electronic crap per vehicle?

Yeah, instead of a 1500 watt fully illuminated computerized dash panel that can blow out why not use a fully featured mechanical one that uses little to no electricity?

[Simtronic]

The modern dashboard uses a lot less power than you think, LED lighting and digital guages use mA the really old guages used heater wires and bymetalic strips to make the needle move. The best display you can get for power use is LCD that would use a couple of watts when lit by led lighting.