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Hydraulic hybrid system claims to double fuel efficiency

Hydraulic hybrid system claims to double fuel efficiency

Nelson Ireson June 11th, 2008 Nelson Ireson By Nelson Ireson Author June 11th, 2008
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December 31st, 1969 A Scottish company has developed a new transmission technology that it claims doubles in-town fuel efficiency. Artemis Intelligent Power's hydraulic hybrid powertrain replaces the traditional port and swash plates in its hydraulic system with computer-controlled solenoid valves. The transmission, called the HEDDAT (High Efficiency Digital Displacement Automotive Transmission), yielded twice the fuel efficiency of a standard manual transmission-equipped BMW 530i in a start-stop traffic environment, reports CleanTech. The technology stores energy in hydraulic, rather than electric, form, but the system's engineers note that the harder a hydraulic hybrid is driven, the more its advantage over electric hybrid systems grows. The BMW used in the tests achieved 41.1mpg in the European city cycle, 39.6mpg in the European combined cycle and 42.1mpg in the US combined cycle. Those results amount to reductions of 30-50% in CO2 output. Because the hydraulic system is able to store energy at a faster rate than the regenerative systems in electric hybrids, it can recapture more of the kinetic energy that would otherwise be lost. This means the HEDDAT could achieve significant gains no matter the driving style of the person behind the wheel. The technology underlying the system isn't new. Hydraulic hybrids have been around for years, but it hasn't advanced at the same rate that electricity-based systems have. The breakthrough by Artemis could be the step that makes hydraulic hybrids commercially viable. If the licensing contracts with Bosch Rexroth and Sauer-Danfoss APS are any indication, it already is. It will likely be several years before production-level automotive applications are available, however.
Hydraulic hybrid system claims to double fuel efficiency

Hydraulic hybrid system claims to double fuel efficiency

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A Scottish company has developed a new transmission technology that it claims doubles in-town fuel efficiency. Artemis Intelligent Power's hydraulic hybrid powertrain replaces the traditional port and swash plates in its hydraulic system with computer-controlled solenoid valves.

The transmission, called the HEDDAT (High Efficiency Digital Displacement Automotive Transmission), yielded twice the fuel efficiency of a standard manual transmission-equipped BMW 530i in a start-stop traffic environment, reports CleanTech. The technology stores energy in hydraulic, rather than electric, form, but the system's engineers note that the harder a hydraulic hybrid is driven, the more its advantage over electric hybrid systems grows. The BMW used in the tests achieved 41.1mpg in the European city cycle, 39.6mpg in the European combined cycle and 42.1mpg in the US combined cycle. Those results amount to reductions of 30-50% in CO2 output.

Because the hydraulic system is able to store energy at a faster rate than the regenerative systems in electric hybrids, it can recapture more of the kinetic energy that would otherwise be lost. This means the HEDDAT could achieve significant gains no matter the driving style of the person behind the wheel.

The technology underlying the system isn't new. Hydraulic hybrids have been around for years, but it hasn't advanced at the same rate that electricity-based systems have. The breakthrough by Artemis could be the step that makes hydraulic hybrids commercially viable. If the licensing contracts with Bosch Rexroth and Sauer-Danfoss APS are any indication, it already is. It will likely be several years before production-level automotive applications are available, however.

Tags: Technical

Posted in: News, Hybrid


Comments (6 total)

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  1. By Gus #1, Posted: 6/11/2008

    Wow.

    Beside the possibility of leaks (which is still less likely than something breaking in the ultra-complex electric hybrid) this is some amazing technology.

  2. By Paul #2, Posted: 6/11/2008

    I would think a hydraulic system would cost far less to maintain than a hybrid in the long term. I still remember the original Prius model batteries cost about $9000 (when first introduced) to replace. I'm sure it is far less today but still.

  3. By bambam #3, Posted: 6/11/2008

    its a simple idea and very effective. Why didn't I think of it.
    Yeah thats the problem with people these days. first it was the Japanese car with all their electronics and turbos, now the kids are playing with those just to beat stock Ferrari for fun.
    Everything is too hard compare to the old Technology, I still can't fix a lawn mower.

  4. By BAUMM III #4, Posted: 6/12/2008

    "harder a hydraulic hybrid is driven, the more its advantage over electric hybrid systems grows"
    If this is compact and light enough, this will be the perfect hybrid system for motorcycle!

  5. By Gus #5, Posted: 6/12/2008

    I think the wieght would be too much, but I'm not sure.
    Besides, motorcycles already get fantastic mileage, especially for their performance.

  6. By Stanford #6, Posted: 8/21/2008

    Bravo!
    Just one more step to go.
    HYENA
    The duel fuel power generator-no valves,no connecting rods,no crankshaft.
    Raw power at a fraction of the costs of todays engines.

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