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The Prius That Shook.. - VFAQ Prius Site

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systems. "It seems so risky no matter how we think." "<strong>The</strong>n,<br />

how should we back up the plan?" <strong>The</strong> three from the<br />

G21 group felt increasingly burdened by their assignment<br />

as the days went by.<br />

At that point, BR-VF's hybrid system was nothing<br />

more than a design concept in theory and simulation data<br />

on paper.<br />

Series-type and Parallel-type<br />

For purposes of general discussion, hybrid systems can be<br />

divided into "series-types" and "parallel-types." As<br />

used in the automotive sense, the word "hybrid" means<br />

"composite," and hybrid systems use both an internal<br />

combustion engine and an electric motor to power the<br />

vehicle.<br />

While an internal combustion engine cannot achieve<br />

sufficient power and torque unless a certain level of revolution<br />

(RPM) is achieved, it can function very efficiently once<br />

that certain rpm level is reached. In contrast, an electric<br />

motor generates its maximum torque from the very moment<br />

it is turned on. Consequently, an electric motor is suitable for<br />

achieving rapid acceleration. However, when a car is powered<br />

by an electric motor at highway speeds, both internal<br />

combustion engine and electric generator must stay<br />

engaged to supply the motor with electricity. When engine<br />

output is converted to<br />

79

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