Takahiro Eguchi

Development of a power train for the hybrid automobile: The Civic hybrid

In order to contribute to the resolution of global environmental problems and to respond to the issue of diminishing resources, the Civic Hybrid, a hybrid passenger automobile has been developed to achieve both low emissions and low fuel consumption. The hybrid system takes the conventional Honda IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) system as its foundation. 4-cylinder, 1.3L SOHC, 2-plug engine i-DSI (DSI: Dual and Sequential Ignition) has been selected and modified for lean burn combustion. In addition, a cylinder idling system to increase the amount of electrical energy regenerated during deceleration has been adopted, among other technology. The ultra-thin DC brushless motor has been modified with its magnetic circuit to Improve maximum regenerative torque by approximately 30%. Thanks to a new power train that improves CVT transfer efficiency, low fuel consumption of 48mpg in the city and 47mpg on the highway (the 5MT vehicle is 46mpg in the city and 51mpg on the highway) is achieved. Low emissions technology includes the adoption of a new exhaust system that uses a three-way NOx adsorption reaction catalyst, and new engine air-fuel ratio controls. These technologies have made it possible to achieve ultra low emission levels that meet US ULEV regulations. In addition, an IPU (Intelligent Power Unit) that combines a PCU (Power Control Unit) controlling the IMA system with a Ni-MH battery can be Installed behind the rear seats, as it is quite compact. This has made it possible to have a 5-passenger vehicle with trunk capacity on a par with the Civic, upon which this vehicle was based.