Operating Sequence in Hybrid System

In a conventional diesel-powered system the generator has capacity of running the load and recharging battery. To ensure a reasonable recharge time, the generator must be sized much greater than the load. But most of the time the generator is just powering the load, running between 30% and 60 % of maximum load. The hybrid system changes this so that the generator is always running at close to full load. It operates only to charge the batteries. Once the batteries are charged, it stops.

Steps of Hybrid System Operation

i) Hybrid system starts with a fully charged battery

ii) Generator is turned off, and the battery takes the load

iii) When battery is discharged to a set level, the generator restarts and recharges the battery

iv) Generator is turned off again

Typically a hybrid generator will run for about 50% or less of the total time. For the rest of the time, the battery is discharging. A full cycle can take around one day. But the time taken depends on the features of battery, generator and load, and the process of optimization of generator operation.

Hybrid Generator Maintenance Interval

Instead of running 100% of the time at moderate load, the hybrid generator runs at full load for 50% of the time or less. The generator service interval is based on run time and not load, and so the service is at least twice as long. This provides a direct saving in truck rolls. Generator life is similarly increased, so replacement costs are much lower.

Among other features, hybrid transmission may be readily installed in an existing vehicle driveline.