Subaru Develops Turbo Parallel Hybrid

[Variance]

Link: http://wardsauto.com/ar/auto_subaru_develops_turbo/index.htm

WardsAuto.com, Sep 9 2005

The new system integrates with Subaru’s existing technologies, while improving all-around performance and fuel economy.


Subaru-maker Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. is developing a new hybrid powertrain technology: the Turbo Parallel Hybrid (TPH).

TPH, which will undergo a test launch in Japan in 2007, uses a compact 10-kW motor generator situated between the vehicle’s engine and automatic transmission to deliver all-around solid performance, while also attaining improved fuel economy and reduced emissions, the auto maker says.

Fuji plans to use the new technology in conjunction with its turbocharged horizontally opposed 4-cyl. engine, which will adopt the Miller engine cycle, and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. The result, the auto maker says, will be excellent acceleration and fuel economy combined with the midrange turbocharged punch characteristic of its boxer engine.

A motor assist feature also is incorporated into the technology and boosts engine torque output at low engine speeds.

The auto maker also plans to further improve the TPH system’s performance by equipping it with manganese Lithium-ion batteries, which are being developed at NEC Lamillion Energy Ltd., a joint venture between NEC Corp. and Fuji.

The Lithium-ion capacitor enhances energy density while retaining the instantaneous charge/discharge capabilities and durability of conventional capacitors, Fuji says.

The auto maker currently is testing prototype Lithium-ion cells and says that the technology can be applied to hybrid trucks and buses, along with serving as a replacement for conventional lead-acid batteries in the future.

[Imaj]

GM NA should make use of this technology!!! maybe in the next 9-2X

[pow]

Wait... isn't the point of turbocharging to use more fuel and thereby produce more power? And isn't the point of hybrids to save fuel?

[91z4me]

Wait... isn't the point of turbocharging to use more fuel and thereby produce more power? And isn't the point of hybrids to save fuel?

[post="14008"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]

Miller cycle engines use lower displacement than Otto Cycle engines. The Mazda 2.3 6 cyl Miller comes to mind as one. It is said to be a very smoother efficient powertrain. It has been around for years and makes 200ish HP. If the Miller system is applied to the 2.4 Boxer I think the displacement would drop making it more efficient and then when need the hybrid system would kick into place and add torque. It sounds like a good idea but I don't know if the Miller Cycle has been used with a Turbo. All the ones I have read about are supercharged.

Quick explanation of Miller cycle is that static compression is lowered and the intake valve is left open allowing the supercharger to help compress the air within the cylinder. It is VERY efficient and has been around since like the 420s.