View Full Version : If I wanted to Improve MPG I would...
Ken07TCH 01-21-2010, 10:13 AM Im not thinking Hypermiling here. I know that hypermiling works. Im thinking what could happen if the special pieces on my hybrid could be installed on a standard 4 cyl Camry for instance.
Couldnt you take the electric power steering, electric AC compressor and the ability to auto stop and auto start the ICE. Perhaps the regen braking...
ksstathead 01-21-2010, 10:20 AM You could eliminate power steering and air conditioning and save a little gas.
Not sure how you accomplish DIY stop/start or regen braking without putting the whole hsd system in place. Or some other system. In any event it is a big deal to roll your own hybrid.
Now, the manufacturers should certainly try to give us start/stop on new designs, but it is a big deal to hybridize, even for them. Regen needs an AC motor/generator, an AC to DC converter, batteries, BMS, etc.
buurin 02-16-2010, 09:17 PM Try the combination of an upgraded alternator and an alternator kill switch. Rig the kill switch to engage the alternator when the brake pedal is depressed, like the stop light switch. Consciously turn off AC at a stop, or turn it on when decelerating. Don't know how feasible it is to add a magnetic clutch to the power steering pump.
nighthawk 02-17-2010, 07:34 AM The way I read this post is he's asking why Toyota can't add these things to the standard 4 cylinder camry so that it also see's FE benefits without the use of a hybrid and large/heavy batteries.
phoebeisis 02-17-2010, 08:48 AM Take out the spare and carry some of that plug leak stuff.Big risk of course.I still carry my spare. You'll save maybe 1.5% in weight, and maybe .5% in city FE(maybe a couple of tenths mpg).
Same story on lighter wheels/tires. Drop maybe 3 lbs each with forged alloy wheels. They would cost maybe $700. Save maybe .1 or so in the city.
Charlie
oldlar 02-17-2010, 03:43 PM Depending on year, many of the new cars are all drive by wire. My HHR has electric power steering. With all the problems Toyota is having with brakes and accelerators, it may all be computer problems, which scares the he[[ out of me because computer fixes = $$$$$ on cars. Everything is now computer controlled. No longer easy to swap out components unless you car program the computers.
lightfoot 02-17-2010, 06:56 PM The biggest effect would come from including mpg displays so the driver would have the information essential to getting good mpg: a digital speedo, an iMPG display, and an aMPG display, all centered in front of the driver for easy monitoring.
Next would be replacing the alternator and starter/solenoid systems with a motor/generator attached to the crankshaft (perhaps at the flywheel a la the Honda IMA MG) and an upsized lead-acid battery. This would eliminate weight and belts, and would also give improved restart capability after a FAS. The MG would not be used to propel the vehicle. Higher voltage (24V?) would be handy but might increase cost and weight if a DC:DC converter were needed to get 12V for some purposes .
Then a system to semi-automate NICE-ON coasting, perhaps a decoupling driveline setup that some AT's have, possibly a sprag clutch in the driveline like that used in Saab's in the '70's. Perhaps optional neutrals between gears could be built into DSG's?
Regen braking would be great to eliminate alternator loads and take care of increased electrical needs. The driveline would need to recouple to accomplish this, perhaps electrically actuated when the brake pedal is applied.
Electric power steering and electric brake booster vac pump would make FAS safe, with automatic restart when the gas pedal is pressed. AT's would be lubricated from the driveline (or have an electric lubrication pump?). FAS would be actuated manually to be sure that the driver is aware that the ICE is off.
Just some ideas.
sam919 02-19-2010, 02:57 PM Try the combination of an upgraded alternator and an alternator kill switch. Rig the kill switch to engage the alternator when the brake pedal is depressed...
I believe BMW does this already.
http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/21/bmws-brake-energy-regeneration-technology/
satyap 02-19-2010, 05:38 PM The biggest effect would come from including mpg displays so the driver would have the information essential to getting good mpg: a digital speedo, an iMPG display, and an aMPG display, all centered in front of the driver for easy monitoring.
Heh. That, plus gallons/hour, is my current sgii setup.
Then a system to semi-automate NICE-ON coasting, perhaps a decoupling driveline setup that some AT's have,...
+1
Regen braking
+1
Seraph 02-20-2010, 01:03 AM I would definitely get HHO! That saves tonnes and tonnes of fuel! :Banane36::Banane47::Banane14::banane58::Banane48::Banane25::Banane03::Banane02::Banane35::Banane13::Banane45::Banane12::Banane34::Banane57::Banane24:
=D
Hi Sam919:
___We have reported hat news plenty of times. Honda has had disconnecting alternators for years prior as well. Besides going electric, I like how MB is taking the 1%’ewrs. In their latest AT designs, they disconnect the TC when the car Is stationary and the ICE is idling.
___Electric loads are a big deal so LED’s all-around as Manuel has recently done in his hybrids. When I am boxed in at a stop light, I shut down everything including the lights at night as well. LRR tires, oils, smart driving and FCD’s are great but we really need a new approach. What car do you need vs. what do you want? A Prius or a Mustang/Camaro. The latter are far less comfortable, include far more NVH and have the rear seat capacity of a small cardboard box…
___The same with bikes. Why is there 1,000 CC or larger anything? 0 to 60 in less than 3-seconds and 200 mph not fast enough?
___Good Luck
___Wayne
Ken07TCH 03-10-2010, 01:58 PM Great Ideas all. Keep them coming!
I really like the fit of the Camry size car. I am a rather large person and my family is larger (height and weight) than average. The Camry allows a car seat in the back, my niece and an adult in back as well, and myself and another large person in front. Good capacity and excellent mileage. I will not fit into a Mustang comfortably. I do wish the gauges were much more extensive but I am very happy with the SGii on the steering column. Also, I would wish for a smaller ICE and a larger battery/electric motor.
Im still hoping for a diesel/electric from VW or Audi, or Kia, or anyone.
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