(January 10, 2011)
The Schaeffler Group has developed a car full of ideas called the “Schaeffler Hybrid”. The vehicle is part of an advanced development project that provides a practical comparison of the various options available for e-mobility. In order to demonstrate multiple powertrain configurations and modes of operation,the Schaeffler Hybrid has a combustion engine, ,a central electric motor and two wheel hub motors.
“Presenting various concepts with informative comparisons as well as realistic testing played a decisive role in the implementation of the Schaeffler Hybrid”, says Prof. Dr. Peter Gutzmer, Member of the Executive Management Board responsible for technical development at the Schaeffler Group. Accordingly, the various elements can each be switched on and off and provide a wide range of operating modes. These options range from classic operation using a combustion engine, operation as a parallel or serial hybrid to pure electric driving. The combustion engine can power the vehicle mechanically and be coupled for use as a range extender. An automated manual transmission allows for different gear ratios to the road. The transmission naturally incorporates clutch products specially matched to the requirements of hybrid vehicles from the Schaeffler brand LuK. Energy is stored, in a 16 kWh lithium-ion battery (400 V, 400 A), which can be charged by means of energy recovery, the generator in range extender mode, as well as via an external power supply in plug-in hybrid mode. “Another important aspect of this project is the linked development activities of the Schaeffler brands”, says Peter Gutzmer. Specifically, these are INA, LuK, and FAG as well as IDAM and AFT.
The central electric motor is connected to the automated manual transmission by means of a toothed chain and drives the front wheels. The unit comprises a liquid-cooled 50 kW and 95 Nm electric motor that was designed and manufactured by Schaeffler subsidiary IDAM. eWheel Drive is the name that has been given to the wheel hub motors that were also developed by the Schaeffler Group. The motors mounted in the Schaeffler Hybrid have apeak output of 50 kW each and torque of around 530 Nm. The Schaeffler Group profits from its profound expertise in the field of wheel bearings and direct drive technology during the design and manufacture of these high-performance components. Accordingly, these wheel hub motors form a compact unit that integrates wheel bearing, drive and brake. The advantage of these drive units is the fact that they can be integrated in an existing vehicle platform without making any major changes to the vehicle architecture. In addition, the eWheel Drive from Schaeffler makes a convincing case due to its appealing torque development as well as a remarkably low noise level.
“The ‘Schaeffler Hybrid’ will not go into volume production”, says Peter Gutzmer, “rather it serves as a vehicle of ideas. For example, with the “CO2ncept-10%” based on a Porsche Cayenne, we successfully demonstrated advantages in fuel consumption and emissions by reducing friction in the drive train. With the Schaeffler Hybrid, we want to demonstrate that the Schaeffler Group takes a holistic approach to mobility and offers innovative products for e-mobility solutions in its portfolio”.
Along with the components shown in the Schaeffler Hybrid, Schaeffler’s range of products tailored to the requirements of hybrid vehicles and electric mobility includes, amongst others, hybrid clutches and dampers (currently produced for hybrid buses, SUVs and cars), electromechanical chassis and steering components, such as face spline wheel hub units with reduced mass and friction, as well as various differentials, including the space- and mass-saving stamped planetary differential and electric differentials with torque steering capability.
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