HELDA
Validation of a hybrid electric drive for light all-terrain vehicles
The reduction of CO2 emissions in the transportation sector is being driven by the introduction of electric and hybrid-electric drives. While alternative propulsion systems are increasingly establishing in the passenger car segment, other mobility sectors are still characterized by conventional propulsion systems. In addition to the comparably high system costs, the increased complexity of alternative drives is also a decisive factor for many vehicle segments, inhibiting their introduction into the market until now. Within the scope of the submitted project, a hybrid drive developed by RWTH Aachen University is to be investigated, achieving a significant reduction in fuel consumption, good driving characteristics and a high level of driving comfort with a low level of system complexity. The powertrain is based on a planetary gearbox that couples an internal combustion engine and an electric machine that enables different operating modes through passive switching elements. Simulations show very high fuel saving potentials of up to 25% compared to conventional drives with continuously variable transmissions (CVT).
The aim of the project is to validate fuel savings in the vehicle, which have to date been determined on the basis of simulations. In addition, the driving characteristics are to be evaluated and compared with a conventional drive. For this purpose, the drive concept is to be built up using components that are partly tailor-made and partly available on the market. To investigate the suitability of the drive for larger vehicles and additional market segments, the drive is to be implemented in a light all-terrain vehicle (ATV). This represents applications that are still dominated by CVT transmissions where no promising hybrid concepts are known to date.