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As the rivalry continues between the American-favored hybrid electric vehicles and European-favored diesels, Ford, General Motors and DaimlerChrysler brought prototypes that combine both technologies to the 2005 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). These are the Mercury Meta One, Opel Astra Diesel Hybrid and Mercedes-Benz S-Class Hybrid. Diesels are already the most common power source in hybrid electric trucks and buses, driven partly by military interest in hybrids running on a single battlefield fuel, JP-8, that can be used in both ground and air vehicles.

Mercury Meta One

The Mercury Meta One, a showcase for many advanced technologies, features a 2.7L V6 diesel mated to a Modular Hybrid Transmission (MHT). The twin-turbocharged, intercooled, DOHC, 24-valve, 60-degree V-6 has a compacted graphite iron block and aluminum heads.

This engine is used in the new Jaguar S-Type Diesel sold outside North America. With the MHT, the torque converter of the 6-speed automatic transmission is replaced by a high-voltage electric motor and two hydraulic clutches so the motor can operate independently of, or with, the diesel engine. The 35-kW, three-phase motor also serves as the flywheel, starter, alternator and traction motor to drive the front wheels. The layout required minimal change to the base transmission, thus reducing the complexity and cost compared to other hybrid systems.

The MHT can operate in an assist mode to supplement the engine's output for additional power for acceleration and under conditions where a diesel pollutes most. For example, them is a short burst in soot emissions as a typical diesel's turbocharger speeds up when accelerating. Tuning a diesel engine to minimize this spike usually compromises throttle response The MHT provides a momentary burst of power for a quick takeoff with very low emissions. Electrical energy is stored in a 325-Volt, 6-Amp-hour nickel metal hybrid (NiMH) battery. Working together, the diesel and electric motor, the 2.7L- V-6 makes 248hp at 4,000 rpm and 431 ft. lb. of torque at 1,900 rpm--almost as much as the Ford's 6.8L Triton V-10--but sips rather than guzzles fuel.

# posted by Medical Information : 3:42 AM