HYBRID ELECTRIC POWERTRAIN CONFIGURATIONS WITH A BALL VARIATOR USED AS A CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE MECHANICAL TRANSMISSION

摘要

Regular series-parallel hybrid electric powertrains (powersplit eCVT) are two-motor HEV propulsion systems mated with a planetary gear, and most mild or full parallel hybrid systems are single motor systems with a gearbox or continuously variable transmission (CVT) coupled with an electric machine. Coupling a ball-type continuously variable planetary (CVP), such as a VariGlide®, with one electric machine enables the creation of a parallel HEV architecture with the CVP functioning as a continuously variable transmission, and the motor providing the functionality of electric assist, starter motor capability, launch assist and regenerative braking. Two motor variants provide series-parallel hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) architectures. Embodiments disclosed herein, coupled with a hybrid supervisory controller that chooses the path of highest efficiency from engine to wheel, leads to the creation of a hybrid powertrain that are capable of operating at the best potential overall efficiency point in any mode and also provide torque variability.