Browse Topic: Electric power
Toyota's big claim for its new sixth-generation 2026 RAV4 is that the SUV is now“ 100% electrified.” That's true, as Obi-wan once said, from a certain point of view. As it recently did with the Camry, the automaker has eliminated an ICE-only powertrain from the list of options, giving drivers the choice between a gas-electric hybrid or a plug-in hybrid (PHEV). The hybrids use Toyota's fifth-generation hybrid system, which uses a 2.5-L 4-cylinder aluminum Atkinson cycle engine that produces 163 lb-ft and up to 226 hp (169 kW) in FWD configuration, 236 hp (176 kW) in AWD. Seven trim levels - LE, XLE Premium (which Toyota expects to be the volume trim), Limited, SE, XSE and Woodland - can be had with the hybrid powertrain, while the driving-focused GR Sport version can only be had as a PHEV. The plug-in option is available on the SE, XSE and Woodland. These new RAV4s use Toyota's sixth-generation PHEV system, which produces 324 hp (242 kW) and up to 172 lb-ft So, yes, the entire line-up
Leonardo DRS Arlington, VA mmount@drs.com
The growing demand for improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions in diesel engines has led to significant advancements in power management technologies. This paper presents a dual-mode functional strategy that integrates electrified turbochargers to enhance engine performance, provide boost and generate electrical power. This helps in optimizing the overall engine efficiency. The engine performance is enhanced with boosting mode where the electric motor accelerates the turbocharger independent of exhaust flow, effectively reducing turbo lag and provides immediate boost at low engine speeds. This feature also improves high altitude performance of the engine. Conversely, in generating mode, the electric turbocharger recovers or harvest energy from exhaust gases depending on engine operating conditions, converting it into electrical energy for battery recharging purpose. Advanced control systems enable real-time adjustments to boost pressure and airflow in response to dynamic driving
A new bioimaging device can operate with significantly lower power and in an entirely non-mechanical way. It could one day improve detecting eye and even heart conditions. The device uses a process called electrowetting to change the surface shape of a liquid to perform optical functions. By creating a device that doesn’t use scanning mirrors, the technique requires less electrical power than other devices used for OCT and bioimaging. To test the device’s ability to perform biomedical imaging, the researchers turned to zebrafish. The researchers focused on identifying where the cornea, iris, and retina was from the zebrafish. The two benchmarks that the group hoped to achieve were 10 μm in axial resolution and then around 5 μm in lateral resolution.
While electric powertrains are driving 48V adoption, OEMs are realizing that xEV and ICE vehicles can benefit from a shift away from 12-volt architectures. In every corner of the automotive power engineering world, there are discussions and debates over the merits of 48V power networks vs. legacy 12V power networks. The dialogue started over 20 years ago, but now the tone is more serious. It's not a case of everything old is new again, but the result of a growing appetite for more electrical power in vehicles. Today's vehicles - and the coming generations - require more power for their ADAS and other safety systems, infotainment systems and overall passenger comfort systems. To satisfy the growing demand for low-voltage power, it is necessary to boost the capacity of the low-voltage power network by two or three times that of the late 20th century. Delivering power is more efficient at a higher voltage, and today, 48V is the consensus voltage for that higher level.
In addition to providing safety advantages, sound and vibration are being utilized to enhance the driver experience in Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs). There's growing interest and investment in using both interior and exterior sounds for pedestrian safety, driver awareness, and unique brand recognition. Several automakers are also using audio to simulate virtual gear shifting of automatic and manual transmissions in BEVs. According to several automotive industry articles and market research, the audio enhancements alone, without the vibration that drivers are accustomed to when operating combustion engine vehicles, are not sufficient to meet the engagement, excitement, and emotion that driving enthusiasts expect. In this paper, we introduce the use of new automotive, high-force, compact, light-weight circular force generators for providing the vibration element that is lacking in BEVs. The technology was developed originally for vibration reduction/control in aerospace applications
In this study, vibration characteristics inside an electric power unit at gravity center where direct measurement is impossible were estimated by using virtual point transformation to consider guideline for effective countermeasures to the structure or generated force characteristics inside the power source. Vibration acceleration, transfer function and the generated force in operation at the gravity center of the electrical power source were obtained by vibration characteristics at around the power source which can be measured directly. In addition, the transfer functions from the gravity center to the power source attachment points on the product were also estimated. And then, the contribution from the gravity center to the power unit attachment point was obtained by multiplying generated force with the transfer function. As results, the obtained total contribution was almost same with the actual measured vibration at the attachment point. Furthermore, the rotational contribution
Electrochemical machining (ECM) is a highly efficient method for creating intricate structures in materials that conduct electricity, irrespective of their hardness. Due to the increasing demand for superior products and the necessity for quick design modifications, decision-making in the manufacturing sector has become progressively more difficult. This study focuses on Cupronickel and suggests creating predictive models to anticipate performance metrics in ECM through regression analysis. The experiments are formulated based on Taguchi's principles, and a multiple regression model is utilized to deduce the mathematical equations. The Taguchi approach is employed for single-objective optimization to ascertain the ideal combination of process parameters for optimizing the material removal rate. The proposed prediction technique for Cupronickel is more adaptable, efficient, and accurate in comparison to current models, providing enhanced monitoring capabilities. The updated models have
Electrochemical machining (ECM) is a highly efficient method for creating intricate structures in materials that conduct electricity, independent of their level of hardness. Due to the increasing demand for superior products and the necessity for quick design modifications, decision-making in the manufacturing sector has become progressively more difficult. This study primarily examines the use of Haste alloy in vehicle applications and suggests creating regression models to predict performance parameters in ECM. The experiments are formulated based on Taguchi's ideas, and mathematical equations are derived using multiple regression models. The Taguchi approach is employed for single-objective optimization to ascertain the ideal combination of process parameters for optimizing the material removal rate. ANOVA is employed to evaluate the statistical significance of process parameters that impact performance indicators. The proposed regression models for Haste alloy are more versatile
The inductance parameter is important for the flux regulation performance of the hybrid excitation motor, and the axial structure leads to the change in the inductance parameter of the axial-radial hybrid excitation motor (ARHEM). To clarify the inductance characteristic of the ARHEM with different winding construction and the mutual coupling effect between the axial excitation and permanent magnet excitation on the inductance. Firstly, the structure of the ARHEM is presented. Secondly, the self and mutual inductance characteristics of ARHEM are analyzed using the winding function method. Then, the influence of the axial excitation structure on the armature reaction field and saliency ratio of ARHEM. On this basis, the mechanism of the mutual coupling, between the axial excitation and permanent magnet field under different excitation currents on the main air gap magnetic field, and the inductance of ARHEM with fractional slot are revealed.
It’s common knowledge that a major challenge for solar energy is how to store excess energy produced when conditions are right, like noon-time sun, so that it can be used later. The usual answer is batteries. But renewable energy resources are causing problems for the electricity grid in other ways as well. In a warm, sunny location like California, mid-afternoon had been a time of peak demand for the electric utility, but with solar it’s now a time of peak output.
In the future, power sockets used to recharge smartphones, tablets, and laptops could become obsolete. The electricity would then come from our own clothes. By means of a new polymer that is applied on textile fibers, clothing could soon function as solar collectors and thus as a mobile energy supply.
The Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS) has developed a metamaterial that traps and amplifies micro-vibrations in small areas. This innovation is expected to increase the power output of energy harvesting, which converts wasted vibration energy into electricity, and accelerate its commercialization.
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