COST EFFECTIVE, FUEL EFFICIENT POWER TRAINS FOR THE FUTURE

摘要

Rising energy prices and the discussions of global warming have sparked a very active debate over the most cost effective power train for future light duty applications. It is clear that the total wells-to-whccls efficiencies must be dramatically improved in order to sustain a global mobile society. There arc several power train options available but the true wells-to-wheels efficiencies and the true cost of ownership will ultimately drive the selection of the power train for each application.This paper focuses on a discussion of the most likely power train options for future light duty passenger car applications. The discussion includes estimates of the on-cost and efficiency differences relative to a conventional power train utilizing a PFI gasoline engine. Engines utilizing advanced combustion modes of operation arc included in the analysis and various configurations arc considered. One example is the application of a limited operating range gasoline fueled engine in various hybrid configurations. Ultimate selection of the most cost effective approach is highly dependent on the fuel price.