DaimlerChrysler technical symposium

A year after the merger that created the new corporation, engineers from both groups came together to present a unified technical symposium to review the future direction of the new organization. Here are some highlights of the more significant technical developments.

Traditional hybrids have been looked upon to increase fuel economy and reduce fuel emissions, the TTR hybrid can also enhance performance and fuel economy. Thomas S. Moore, Vice President, Liberty and Technical Affairs, DaimlerChrysler presented an electric-assist Dodge Durango Sport Utility Vehicle with a through-the-road powertrain. The rear wheels are driven by a 3.9-L V6 engine with a conventional automatic transmission while the front wheels are separately driven by an electric motor. The experimental vehicle achieves the acceleration of a 5.9-L V8 while improving the fuel economy by about 20%, according to Moore.

The front wheels are driven by a Siemens 3-phase ac induction motor which provides 66 kW (88.5 hp) and 190 N·m (140 lb · ft) of torque to the transaxle. A computer-controlled battery energy management system manages the battery charge and depletion, intelligently recuperating kinetic energy during deceleration and braking. Electric assist is provided during acceleration and cruising. The battery management system has the task of controlling the overall battery state of charge, battery cell equalization, and of transparently optimizing performance. The ideal state of charge of the battery is between 40 and 60%. In this range, the battery is empty enough to absorb energy but full enough to supply power if needed.