Eaton Corporation announced that chief scientist Dr Haoran Hu has co-written a book entitled Advanced Hybrid Powertrains for Commercial Vehicles. Published by SAE International, the 404-page book details the latest trends and technologies in the hybrid commercial vehicle market.
Hybrid powertrains, which have become widely available in passenger cars and light-duty trucks, are beginning to see more applications in the commercial truck industry, too. The potential for significantly improved fuel economy, cleaner air, lower operating costs, and less dependence on traditional fuel supplies are driving the market for hybrids, said Hu.
“Eaton already has achieved a 30% boost in fuel economy in tests with its electric-hybrid powertrain in the city bus driving cycle,” said Hu. Recent tests by the US Environmental Protection Agency demonstrated the potential for a 50% improvement with hydraulic hybrid systems.
The SAE book covers technologies intrinsic to developing hybrid commercial vehicles, including traditional internal combustion engines and advanced clutches and transmissions; energy storage systems (batteries, ultracapacitors, and flywheels); and hydraulic-hybrid components and controls.
Next-generation technologies such as full-electric systems, fuel cells, and the role hybrid commercial vehicles could play in future intelligent transportation systems also are detailed. Other chapters address government regulations and incentives as well as other market drivers and challenges.
Hu has a doctorate degree in mechanical engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and more than 20 years of experience in research and development of internal combustion engines, advanced powertrain systems, and emissions control technologies. He joined Eaton in 2002.
He co-wrote the SAE book with Dr Rudy Smaling, executive director of systems engineering at Cummins Engine Co Inc; and Simon Baseley, who recently retired from Bosch Rexroth Corp and is now a visiting research investigator at the University of Michigan.
Access http://books.sae.org/book-r-386 to order the book.
