Hybrid vehicles have become increasingly popular in the US since Toyota introduced the Prius. This fuel efficient vehicle is equipped with a small engine that normally runs on gasoline. Its fuel efficiency is due to the use of an electric motor that supplies the extra power to help the engine.
While a small engine may not be suitable for some driving conditions, the electric motor powered by an onboard battery pack makes the power produced by the small engine adequate enough. But designers and engineers in the automotive industry are constantly looking for ways to improve the performance of a hybrid vehicle. Turbodyne Technologies Inc. is one of the companies looking for ways to improve the performance of hybrid cars. The company recently announced that it has developed a new technology that aims to help hybrid vehicles perform even better.
Turbodyne has improved the design of the Turbodyne TurboFlow(TM) electronic air injection system. The technology is intended to be used by hybrid vehicles. “It’s clear that hybrid vehicle production is experiencing significant growth,” says Al Case, CEO of Turbodyne. “”The biggest challenge is maximizing engine power while maintaining fuel economy. That’s where the opportunity lies for the Turbodyne TurboFlow(TM) air injection system, Case added.
TurboFlow technology differs from turbochargers and superchargers by the absence of mechanical linkages. This is because the Turbodyne TurboFlow air injection system uses an electric motor to drive the air compressor, which in turn supplies air to the engine.
By eliminating mechanical linkages, the air injection system is made better than turbochargers or superchargers. Superchargers need power from the engine to operate the air compressor and this means the power generated by the engine will be reduced.
Turbochargers, on the other hand, use exhaust gas to force air into the combustion chamber. This means that when there is significantly less exhaust, such as when starting a car, the turbocharger cannot help the engine. Both reduced engine power and lack of takeoff power issues are resolved with the Turbodyne TurboFlow(TM) air injection system.
Since hybrid vehicles are known to have good electrical energy storage, it makes sense that the new air injection system for hybrid vehicles would be powered by electricity. Since the Turbodyne TurboFlow(TM) air injection system is independent of the engine, it can be used throughout a drive cycle. It is specifically designed to supply air to small displacement engines such as those used in hybrid engines.
This new technology will further increase the performance of fuel efficient vehicles. This could mean that hybrid vehicles will continue to dominate the auto industry in the future. From the way things look, hybrid vehicles have become the bully dog in the auto industry’s backyard.
With more and more developments like these, we can surely expect more and more hybrid vehicles roaming our streets.
