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Development of General Motors' eAssist Powertrain

Journal Article
2012-01-1039
ISSN: 2167-4191, e-ISSN: 2167-4205
Published April 16, 2012 by SAE International in United States
Development of General Motors' eAssist Powertrain
Sector:
Citation: Hawkins, S., Billotto, F., Cottrell, D., Houtman, A. et al., "Development of General Motors' eAssist Powertrain," SAE Int. J. Alt. Power. 1(1):308-323, 2012, https://doi.org/10.4271/2012-01-1039.
Language: English

Abstract:

General Motors' (GM) eAssist powertrain builds upon the knowledge and experience gained from GM's first generation 36Volt Belt-Alternator-Starter (BAS) system introduced on the Saturn VUE Green Line in 2006. Extensive architectural trade studies were conducted to define the eAssist system. The resulting architecture delivers approximately three times the peak electric boost and regenerative braking capability of 36V BAS. Key elements include a water-cooled induction motor/generator (MG), an accessory drive with a coupled dual tensioner system, air cooled power electronics integrated with a 115V lithium-ion battery pack, a direct-injection 2.4 liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine, and a modified 6-speed automatic transmission. The torque-based control system of the eAssist powertrain was designed to be fully integrated with GM's corporate common electrical and controls architectures, enabling the potential for broad application across GM's global product portfolio.