Because of lack of instrumentation, drivers of engine driven vehicles have virtually no idea how much power is being converted and lost in the series of energy conversion processes between the gasoline tank and the road, whereas a driver of an electric vehicle can have a somewhat better understand-ing of the power produced, converted and consumed. The fundamental reason is that electric power is the product of current, which is easy to measure, and voltage which is also easy to measure, whereas mechanical power is the product of rotational or linear speed and torque or a linear force. While speed is readily measurable, torque and force is generally difficult to measure in other than laboratory conditions. If this force or torque were to be measured it would also require computer based processing for meaningful display and energy performance monitoring. Thus, this paper will define some potential techniques and benefits for power and performance instrumentation for the next generations of engine driven cars.
展开▼
