Mechanical coupling for Parallel Hybrid Drivetrain

Abstract

In present-day scenario, the increasing demand for fuel efficient and less pollutant vehicles have stimulated the
development of hybrid and electric vehicles. These vehicle platforms often incorporate drivetrains which utilize multiple
power sources (prime movers like the internal combustion engine, and electric motor) for vehicle propulsion in an effort to
increase fuel mileage and reduce emissions. This leads to an evolution in coupling design and has new challenges in
drivetrain design. Coupling the two prime movers which have fundamentally different characteristics makes it even more
challenging. While the electric motor has quite a linear output, then engine is not quite so.
Results from this research include the fundamental torque and rpm relationships that exist in a multiple-input, single-output
power transmission device. These results were deduced from a practical working in a Formula student car that incorporated
two separate power inputs into a planetary differential which combined to produce a single output.