Configuration synthesis of series–parallel hybrid transmissions

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to synthesize systematically the feasible configurations of series–parallel hybrid transmissions for automotive systems utilized in passenger vehicles subject to the deduced design constraints. The design process includes the following steps: first, search for all feasible mechanisms that can be used for synthesizing hybrid transmissions; second, identify all potential locations for the inputs and the output to the mechanisms; third, identify all potential locations for clutches and the brakes of the systems subject to the required operation modes. Through the proposed design process, 30 planetary gear trains for hybrid electric vehicle transmissions with seven members and 10 joints are generated. The power arrangement process generates 42 clutchless hybrid systems. Then, the clutch arrangement process generates 48 corresponding series–parallel transmissions. To demonstrate the feasibility of the synthesized configurations, a novel configuration system is taken as a numerical example to illustrate the principles of operation and performance.