Hybrid Book - Chapter 1

The correct answer is series/parallel. This is because series and parallel are common types of hybrid power flow configurations. In a series hybrid, the engine is the sole source of power and it charges the battery, which in turn powers the electric motor. In a parallel hybrid, both the engine and the electric motor are connected to the wheels and can work together or independently to provide power. Therefore, series and parallel are the two common types of hybrid power flow configurations.

The Saturn Vue hybrid electric vehicle is an example of a mild hybrid system. A mild hybrid system is a type of hybrid system where the electric motor provides assistance to the internal combustion engine, but cannot solely propel the vehicle on electric power alone. In a mild hybrid system, the electric motor is used to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions, but it does not have the capability to independently drive the vehicle.

The Ford Escape hybrid electric vehicle is an example of a strong hybrid system. A strong hybrid system combines both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor to provide power to the vehicle. In this system, the electric motor can operate independently or in conjunction with the engine, allowing for greater fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. The Ford Escape hybrid utilizes this strong hybrid system to provide a balance between fuel economy and performance.

HEV stands for Hybrid Electric Vehicle, which combines both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. The two main types of HEV technologies are "strong" and "mild" systems. A strong hybrid system typically has a larger electric motor and battery, allowing for more electric-only driving and providing greater power for acceleration. On the other hand, a mild hybrid system has a smaller electric motor and battery, providing less electric-only driving and less power assistance to the engine. Therefore, "strong" and "mild" accurately describe the two main types of HEV technologies.

A strong hybrid system is characterized by high system voltages, an electric-only drive mode, and/or electric propulsion assist to the engine. This means that the hybrid system has a high voltage capacity, allowing for greater power and efficiency. Additionally, it can operate in electric-only mode, where the vehicle runs solely on electric power, reducing emissions and fuel consumption. The electric propulsion assist to the engine means that the electric motor provides additional power to assist the engine when needed, further enhancing performance and efficiency.

An electric machine is a motor/generator technology that can provide torque to drive a vehicle and also generate electricity during regenerative braking. It is a versatile device that can function as both a motor and a generator, making it an essential component in electric vehicles. During acceleration, the electric machine acts as a motor, converting electrical energy into mechanical energy to drive the vehicle. During regenerative braking, it acts as a generator, converting mechanical energy into electrical energy and storing it in the battery for later use.

In a parallel power flow system, the engine system is directly connected to the transmission, transaxle, or driveline. Additionally, there are supplementary electric machines that are connected in parallel to this system. This means that the power flows through both the engine system and the supplementary electric machines simultaneously, allowing for increased power and efficiency.