Evaluation of the Influence of an Alternator with Mechanical Decoupling on Energy Consumption and CO ₂ Emission in a Flex Fuel Vehicle

The automotive industry has played an important role in the international purpose of containing carbon dioxide emissions to mitigate the negative effects of the greenhouse effect. International agreements and treaties promoted legislation that set targets for CO₂ emissions and also for the energy consumption of motor vehicles. Several technologies have been implemented and are being developed to increase the energy efficiency of the vehicles and consequently reduce the fuel consumption which is a direct relation with the emission of CO₂. This research aimed at the experimental analysis of an alternator equipped with a mechanical decoupling system of the crank shaft of the internal combustion engine. This new system consists of an integrated pulley to an electromagnetic clutch. It is a technological innovation and unprecedented in terms of control of the generation and use of electric energy. The decoupling is performed according to the state of charge of the battery and internal combustion engine operating conditions. This strategy allows the complete unloading of the crankshaft axis in relation to the inertia and electromagnetic field of the alternator. In tests performed with a passenger car was obtained 2.8% reduction in energy consumption combined urban and highway cycles (FTP 75 and Highway). The reduction of CO₂ emission was also at the same level of reduction of energy consumption.