Search Results

Recently the automotive marked is showing a trend towards increased adoption of hybrid vehicles to reduce emissions and increase vehicle efficiency. Fleet average targets for CO2 are compelling car manufacturers to reach very challenging fuel economy targets. The development of mild-hybrid vehicles has gained traction in this scenario. Another key driver has been the rapid evolution of electrical systems in new vehicles, ranging from advanced safety systems, driver assistance, and infotainment. This greater demand on electrical load has also contributed to the adoption of mild hybrid powertrains that work alongside traditional combustion engines and existing 12-volt systems. Many leading OEMs and suppliers are developing 48-volt architecture on the basis that it can achieve large efficiency gains at lower costs in the medium term than full electrification.

Two types of One-Way Clutch (OWC) are commonly used in automotive applications – the roller and the sprag types. Some manufacturers claim the advantages of a different type of OWC having a mechanical diode OWC. The aim of this research is to study the mechanical diode system in order to point out reasons that explain why this configuration is not a spread out system in automotive applications that require lockup functionality. To achieve this objective the research work focuses on the development of 1-D models to simulate system behavior and evaluate product performance against design variables. Improvements to the system are suggested based on the simulation results.