Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Group Co (JAC) and Ricardo are collaborating on a project to develop the Ricardo HyBoost concept into volume production on a JAC vehicle.
The original demonstrator incorporated Ricardo’s mild hybrid intelligent electrification concept comprising smart regeneration, optimized torque assist, and extreme engine downsizing (engine pictured) with electric supercharging and intelligent stop/start. These technologies were incorporated into a Ford Focus, resulting in improved fuel economy and improved performance at minimal cost.
The technology has already successfully passed its mule vehicle development gateway, a major decision event for the program. The project team is now working to productionize the HyBoost concept for a JAC vehicle intended for launch in the Chinese market.
Extensive NEDC testing undertaken on the JAC mule vehicle during the concept phase of the program has served to verify that the fuel economy targets are achievable without compromising driveability. NVH has been an area of focus in the development of engine mounting strategies. Finally the collaboration is also extending to the detailed development of control strategies and software as part of the necessary powertrain systems validation.
Meanwhile, Ricardo will be a key partner in the European Commission’s Horizon 2020 Green Vehicle Initiative project (HDGAS) – a project that aims to develop, demonstrate and optimize advanced powertrain concepts for dual-fuel and pure natural gas powered heavy duty vehicles.
The primary objectives of HDGAS are to deliver improved fuel efficiency and reduced greenhouse gas emissions while meeting current Euro VI emissions standards. Ricardo is one of 19 collaborating EU commercial and academic partners. Particular areas of focus for the company will be the development of engine and aftertreatment systems that offer the prospect of delivering real driving emissions well below Euro VI limits for heavy duty vehicles.
Through extensive use of simulation methods, Ricardo aims to create a heavy-duty natural gas version of its direct injection combustion system that has already been used to great effect in ultra-clean gasoline engines. Technologies that will be investigated in this endeavour include a conceptual study of liquid natural gas direct injection and the application of high energy ignition system based on corona discharge.
Advanced dual fuel and pure natural gas aftertreatment specification, development and testing is also a critical part the work of the HDGAS project, and an area where Ricardo will lead several partners of the consortium. Having specified the system requirements based on simulation and analysis, this information will be used as the basis for rig testing and development followed by incorporation of the technology on the four new heavy-duty natural gas powertrains developed within the project.
October 7, 2015