Hybrid cars provide excellent performance and better fuel efficiency without compromising the car’s performance. An internal combustion engine and an electric motor powers hybrid electric cars. This energy is stored in the car’s battery. The battery in this car is not charged on being plugged in, but rather, through the internal combustion engine or the regenerative braking system. A smaller engine is powered by the extra energy from the electric motor. Engine idling can be reduced and auxiliary loads can be powered when the car stops.
Key Features of a Hybrid Electric Car:
Battery (auxiliary): The auxiliary battery in an electric car, provides the power to start the vehicle before the traction battery begins to power the car and its accessories.
DC/DC converter: This equipment turns higher-voltage DC currents from the traction battery pack to the lower-voltage DC currents. This is necessary for the vehicle to work.
Electric generator: The rotating wheels generate electricity when the driver breaks. This electricity is transferred back into the battery pack. Regeneration and driving functions are available in some cars that use motor generators.
Electric traction motor: This motor drives the vehicle’s wheels by using power from the traction battery. Through the tailpipe, the exhaust gases from the engine escape. This is channeled by the exhaust system. To reduce the emission from the engine, a three-way catalyst is used.
Fuel filler: The tank of the vehicle is filled by a nozzle from a highly-pressurized hydrogen dispenser.
Fuel tank (gasoline): Gasoline is stored on the tank onboard, just in case it is needed by the engine of the car.
Power electronics controller: This device controls the flow of electrical power that is delivered by the traction battery. This also controls the speed of the electric traction motor.
Thermal system (for cooling): A proper operating temperature of the engine, power electronics, electric motor & other such components is maintained by this system.
Traction battery pack: This device stores electricity to be used by the electric traction motor.
Transmission: The wheels are powered by the transmission of mechanical power from the engine or electric traction motor.
In conclusion, the technology behind the working of the hybrid car is extremely innovative. The fact that this car is popular is no surprise especially because of its brilliant features, designs & environmental impact.