Hybra-Drive to build three hydraulic series hybrid truchks for testing

[JohnWxy]

http://www.greencarcongress.com/#a0049869878

A hydraulic hybrid truck uses hydraulic pumps and hydraulic storage tanks to store energy, similar to what is done with electric motors and batteries in hybrid electric vehicles. Fuel economy is increased in three ways: vehicle braking energy is recovered that normally is wasted; the engine is operated more efficiently; and the engine can be shut off when stopped or decelerating.

The US Environmental Protection Agency unveiled the first hydraulic diesel series hybrid urban delivery vehicle in June 2006. (Earlier post.) Since then, several vehicle manufacturers have been working on the technology. Hybra-Drive’s approach differs in that it has developed a hydraulic fluid transmission to go along with the hydraulic pumps and storage tanks that are used to store energy.

Hybra-Drive Systems, working in conjunction with Gates Corporation, Detroit Custom Chassis (a subsidiary of Spectra LMP, LLC) and Morgan Olson LLC, proposed a series hydraulic hybrid vehicle (HHV) based on a Ford chassis for the HTUF validation project.

The HDS Hydraulic Hybrid Power Train (HHPT) system combines a combustion engine with a hydraulic propulsion system that replaces the conventional drivetrain and transmission. The engine, fueled by gasoline, diesel or alternative fuel, operates a hydraulic pump that pressurizes the stored energy hydraulic system to propel the vehicle.

[Fledermaus]

1. Hydraulic hybrids are far cheaper than electric hybrids

EPA estimates that the added costs for the hybrid components, produced in high volume, for a package delivery vehicle have the potential to be less than $7,000, which would be recouped in less than three years by the lower fuel and brake maintenance costs. In today’s dollars, the net lifetime savings over this vehicle’s typical 20 year lifespan are estimated to be more than $50,000. If fuel prices continue to increase at a faster rate than inflation, the lifetime savings would be even greater.

http://www.epa.gov/OMSWWW/technology/420f06054.htm