Hybrid Design

RevolutionX

Through-The-Road Parallel Hybrid Electric Vehicle

In keeping with the all wheel drive capabilities of the stock Equinox, Team Tennessee designed the RevolutionX to be a through-the-road parallel hybrid. Through the road indicates that the only way the two power plants are connected is through the road. The 1.9L turbo diesel powers the front wheels and the the electric motor powers the rear wheels or uses the rear wheels as generators during regenerative breaking.

Energy Flow

The energy flow diagram for the through-the-road system is shown below. The two systems our only connected through the road. The energy flow for the front wheels is simple, energy stored as fuel is burned in the engine which converts that energy to mechanical energy which drives the transmission which in turns the wheels.

The energy flow in for the rear wheels is more complicated. When extra power is needed energy flow from the battery pack, through the power electronics to drive the motor which can power the wheels. During regenerative breaking the motor acts as a generator and the reverse energy flow occurs. Regenerative breaking is a great way to recover power that would normally be wasted during breaking and instead use it to drive or assist driving the vehicle.