What is the Principle of Hybrid Electric Power System?
2 Answers
Taking the series hybrid electric vehicle as an example, the working principle is as follows: At the beginning of vehicle operation: 1. The battery is in a fully charged state, and its energy output can meet the vehicle's requirements, so the auxiliary power system does not need to work. When the battery level is below 60%: 2. The auxiliary power system starts. When the vehicle's energy demand is high: 3. The auxiliary power system and the battery pack simultaneously provide energy to the drive system. When the vehicle's energy demand is low: 4. The auxiliary power system not only provides energy to the drive system but also charges the battery pack.
A hybrid electric system essentially adds an electric motor and battery pack to a gasoline-powered car, making it more fuel-efficient and eco-friendly. Having driven hybrids for many years, I can explain the core principle: when the vehicle starts or moves at low speeds, such as in traffic jams, it relies on the electric motor to power the wheels, consuming electricity instead of burning fuel. Once accelerating to a certain speed, the gasoline engine takes over. Even cooler, during braking or downhill driving, the system can recover kinetic energy and convert it into electricity to recharge the battery. This coordinated operation reduces fuel consumption and exhaust emissions. The batteries, typically lithium-ion or nickel-metal hydride, have a lifespan of around 100,000 kilometers. This design balances the range anxiety of pure electric vehicles with the pollution issues of traditional fuel cars, representing a major trend in modern automotive energy efficiency. However, the system requires a complex control unit to manage transitions, so maintenance should be done at specialized repair shops. Overall, it makes driving more efficient and economical, especially for urban commuting.
