A low voltage switched-reluctance motor by Controlled Power Technologies (CPT) could provide an answer for 12-48V mild hybrid using lead-acid solutions is being made widely available to the auto industry.
The system has the potential to pave the way for a new generation of affordable and cost-effective micro-mild hybrid cars.
The system, used inside a vehicle’s drivetrain, works by harvesting energy from regenerative braking to replace that which is lost from the battery during acceleration.
However, the system requires a battery which can maintain a 40 to 70% partial state-of-charge (HRPSoC).
The technology has already been showcased in an Advanced Lead-Acid Battery Consortium (ALABC) 48V LC Super Hybrid vehicle.
The demonstrator features Exide Orbital spiral-wound absorbent glass matt batteries featuring cathodes enhanced with carbon.
An alternative and equally effective lead-carbon design for 48V hybrid electrification is East Penn Manufacturing’s UltraBattery, which similarly offers a super-capacitive effect, said the spokesman.
The spokesman added advanced lead-carbon batteries were of interest to carmakers, because they an operate in sub-freezing temperatures as low as minus 30°C, and eliminate the need for an active cooling, and an expensive battery management system at a cell level.”
Allan Cooper, the European Project Coordinator at ALABC, said: “We are seeing 48V market as a potential battle ground between lithium-ion and lead-acid.
“The question mark is over the functions the car companyies want to put on vehicles. The more they want to do, the more energy is needed and including a small lithium-ion batteries won’t do when you need more capacity.
“Lead-acid, from the point of view of car functions, is not a problem.”
Future uses for the technology only include low voltage automotive applications, such as truck, buses, cars and light commercial vehicles.
