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Technology of the Hybrid Electric Motorcycle

• Theory of Operation

• Data Sheet

• Modular Electronics

Theory of Operation

The hybrid propulsion concept combines the advantages of electric driving (efficiency, smoothness, elegance) with the vast operating range of combustion engines. For short distances, the electric motors get the propulsion energy entirely from the batteries (thus having zero emission in short range traffic). For longer distances, the hybrid module (combustion engine coupled with a generator) is producing the average of the required driving power, while the batteries support peak power requirements. As the combustion engine runs in its optimal rotational speed range, the energy consumption is significantly lower than with conventional propulsion.

Data Sheet of the Hybrid Electric Motorcycle

Speed:

max. 160 km/h

Reach:

In hybrid mode only dependent on size of gasoline tank (400 km ). Electric-only mode: 40 km for zero emission driving in local area range.

Batteries:

8 blocks of 6V each, NiCd, total 48V/100Ah.

Power:

~20 kW electrical, hybrid ~6 kW continuously.

Propulsion:

Two gears, electroncially controlled.

Motors:

Two high-power permanent magnet DC motors, Nf-Fe-B

Power electronics:

DC-Chopper with active braking

Control electronics:

Separate microprocessor modules for all components, networked via CAN-Bus with intelligent cockpit CPU.

Power consumption:

<7 kWh/100 km (electric only mode), 2 l gasoline/100 km (hybrid mode).

Design:

Special focus on good ergonomics, showing the uniqueness of this special vehicle.

Rolling Chassis:

Constructed and built by famous swiss high end motorcycle maker F.W.Egli Motorradtechnik AG, Bettwil. Only first class components.

Hybrid module:

Water cooled, 4 cycle combustion engine.

Please use our on-line questionnaire to tell us what you think about these specifications (and other project related issues). Thank you!

Modular electronics

Electronics plays a integrative role in the hybrid electric motorcycle. Electronics links the different components to form an intelligent system.

A hybrid vehicle consists of different functional units like batteries, electrical motors, combustion engine and generator (hybrid module), stationary battery charging power converter, lighting and display. To archieve an easy and comfortable way of driving, the vehice must behave as an whole ergonomically. This requires coordination between the separate functional units.

For example, the hybrid module must be switched on and off depending on the charge level of the batteries. The cockpit should display data such as reach, energy consumption. These values often depend on measurement data from multiple units.

A common control method for all subsystems is therefore required. However, to avoid complete dependency on a complex, central controller module, the hybrid electric motorcycle uses a modular control system. Each functional unit has its own, intelligent control module, that is able to operate mostly on its own. However, all control modules are linked with a bus. The bus allows the modules to exchange information and cooperate optimally. In case of a problem, each module is able to keep working with a replacement strategy on its own (and thus keep the vehicle running, even if a subsystem may fail).

As bus system the CAN (Controller Area Network) is used, a bus developed by Bosch for the automotive industry and widely used in various control applications now. The CAN bus is optimized for transmitting control data fast and reliably between microprocessor modules.

Please use our on-line questionnaire, to give us feedback about the hybrid electric motorcycle project, or contact us directly! Thank you!

Hyperbike home page / Technology

Last change by LuZ, 23-Mar-12