A heat engine/electric hybrid drive train is proposed as a means for improving CVS-Hot fuel economy by an estimated 30% to 100% in various types of automotive vehicles. This drive train, classified as a parallel hybrid, has been analyzed by means of computer simulation studies to evaluate its fuel economy, performance, and emissions characteristics, and has been compared with existing internal combustion engine drive trains and other types of hybrid drives. A prototype system has been assembled and evaluated on a dynamometer test stand and has corroborated the computer analysis and predictions. Problems and limitations of this system are discussed.
