Automotive Design
an Auto Start Stop function. With CO2
emissions of 193g/
km from its 333HP supercharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, the Cayenne S Hybrid is the cleanest production Porsche. As well as the petrol engine, there is a 34kW (47HP) electric motor to help improve economy and performance, with a separator clutch that connects the two drive units.
switched off at speeds of up to 156km/h (97mph), being fully disengaged from the drive train when no further power is required. In this ‘sailing mode’ the drag forces exerted by the petrol engine are eliminated to improve fuel consumption. With a long history in motorsport, it is not surprising
that Porsche also used the Geneva Motor Show to display its innovative 911 GT3 R Hybrid. This car’s rear-mounted 480 HP petrol engine is supplemented by two 60 kW electric motors powering the front axle. Under braking, the 911 GT3 R Hybrid converts kinetic energy into electrical energy and stores it in a flywheel such that it may be released at the driver’s command to boost acceleration. Not long after the Geneva show, the 911 GT3 R Hybrid
was entered in the NŸrburgring 24 Hours race (Fig. 4). Unfortunately the car had to retire after 22 hours and 15 minutes due to a problem with its conventional petrol engine. Also shown at Geneva was the Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid
Fig. 4. Porsche’s 911 GT3 R Hybrid performed well in the NŸrburgring 24 Hours race until it retired after 22 hours and 15 minutes due to engine failure.
For rapid acceleration from standstill, the electric motor can provide additional thrust through its ‘boosting’ effect. Intelligent management of the separator clutch makes for an inconspicuous transition among the hybrid-specific driving modes, and one which is said to be comfortable and quick for the driver. At the same time, the petrol engine may be
concept car, a high-performance technology demonstrator with a plug-in series hybrid drive system. This car’s range- extended electric drive consists of two electric motors driving each of the rear wheels independently via a single-speed geartrain that is integrated within a common transmission housing, enabling torque vectoring for stability control of the vehicle. The motors each provide 152kW (204HP) of power and 400Nm of torque. Electrical energy is stored in a lithium polymer battery mounted in the centre of the vehicle. Interestingly, the Evora 414E Hybrid also showcases a
new technology from Lotus Engineering, namely a sports mode that simulates a seven-speed, paddle-shift transmission that combines driver involvement for a hybrid sports car and optimised energy recuperation. For everyday commuting journeys, up to 35 miles can be travelled using battery power, with the battery being recharged overnight using a conventional domestic mains supply. l
General motion control equipment growth
With the beginning of the economic recovery, an increasing globalisation environment is expected to resume, which will once again cause industrial companies to invest in new automation equipment in various industries. Although this investment is expected to start at a slow pace, general motion control (GMC) equipment will enjoy moderate growth, according to a new ARC study. Automation suppliers closed the
W
books on a disappointing 2009 and, for the near term, at least, suppliers expect the challenging business environment to continue. Senior analyst Himanshu Shah, the principle author of ARC’s ‘General Motion Control Worldwide Outlook’, comments: “Emerging economies in Asia,
10
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hile the worst of the global financial crisis may be over, the recovery remains fragile.
such as China, India, and a few other Asian countries continue to make investments in automation as a result of strong domestic demand for production machinery. The growth opportunities in the Asian market will provide motion control suppliers a means to sustain the business until the global machinery market recovers.” Driven by globalisation, the GMC market
will continue to expand on a worldwide scale during the next five years due to a continued infusion of capital for automation in many regions and industries. These include automotive, food and beverage, electronics and semiconductor industries. The majority of this globalisation is taking place in the countries of Eastern Europe and the developing countries of Asia. Fierce global competition increasingly causes manufacturers to allocate investments in automation to drive down costs and raise
productivity by increasing agility and flexibility in their manufacturing operations. GMC systems play a role in almost
every piece of automated equipment aimed at achieving higher agility and flexibility in operations. Manufacturers continually seek ways to increase efficiency and push machine builders to do the same. As a result, technologies are being developed, making old machinery obsolete and serving as the catalyst for the purchase of new agile, flexible and efficient machinery. ARC’s ‘General Motion Control
Worldwide Outlook’ report also addresses how energy volatility and scarcity, as well as sustainability, are also affecting GMC and automation equipment in a wide range of industries. l
For more information, visit
www.arcweb.com
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