[Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
 | [Main General Bulletin Board | BBFAQ |
Prev by Date | Next by Date | Post Followup ]
Member Login / Signup - Members see fewer ads. - Latest Member Gallery Photos
Saab's Hybrid - random email in my inbox... Posted by Scott Paterson [Email]  (#13)  [Profile/Gallery]
(more from Scott Paterson) on Fri, 28 Sep 2007 13:55:56
Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup
|
Well, what do you make of this stuff?
-Scott
======
Word from Robert Collin at Aftonbladet this morning that GM may have thwarted Saabâs Hybrid being announced as an even bigger breakthrough than it seemed to be. As it is, the Saab 9-3 Hybrid won rave reviews for being the first hybrid vehicle to potentially return zero fossil fuel emissions.
Aftonbladet are reporting today that what Saab didnât say about the Hybrid was that it is a plug-in hybrid.
And why didnât they say it?
Well, if Robert Collin is correct, they were gagged. A translation of the Aftonbladet article:
"A couple of days previous to the premiere at the Stockholm Autoshow the orders came from Detroit: Not a word that the car can be charged from the socket! The Saab emblem on the boot, that hides the 220-volt intake, was glued shut. The pressmaterial was withdrawn and had to be rewritten. In Trollhattan they don´t know why, but it might be that GM will show a similar solution on one of its American brands that will be shown at the autoshow in New York later this April."
So why the fuss? Go to Calcars and check out why theyâre touting Plug-ins. In short, thereâs the mileage benefits, cleaner energy source benefits, lifetime service cost benefits and power storage benefits.
Plug-ins are the current darling of the environmental set and if youâre that way inclined, then being the first car company to produce a good, practical and realistic working prototype would be a major coup. The significance of the Saab Hybrid concept lay in the fact that they did it with an existing model, and to prove that it wasnât going to be a huge bulky proposition, they did with a convertible!
This sort of clever design and development is a perfect fit for the environmentally responsible Saab brand.
Apparently GM killed it in Stockholm because they want to debut it, possibly on one of their home brands, at the New York Auto Show. If so, then GMâs true commitment to Saab and the realisation of its true growth potential must be questioned, in my opinion.
Saab is the one brand amongst GMâs portfolio with huge growth potential, and a vehicle like this, especially in a truly revolutionary configuration like the plug-in Hybrid, would have been a huge boost to Saabâs profile and in perfect keeping with its previous history of drivetrain leadership. Anyone but me notice how a lot of recent articles on future powertains are mentioning turbocharging?
If this story is accurate, then GM should come out and give credit where creditâs due. If they debut a plug-in hybrid on anything other than a Saab later this week in New York, then itâs shame, GM, Shame."
>>>>>The Smoking Gun<<<<<<<
April 12th, 2006
A few days ago, it was alleged by Robert Collin in Aftonbladet (Swedish newspaper) that GM had told Saab to cover up the fact that the 9-3 Convertible Hybrid Concept was, in fact, a plug-in hybrid. It was said that GM told Saab to glue shut the plug cover, located behind the badge at the rear of the car. It was also said that GM got Saab to re-write the press material so that the plug-in capability wasnât mentioned.
THIS IS THE ORIGINAL STORY---BEFORE GM SQUASHED IT:
"To optimise the availability of ÅZero Modeâ, a plug-in-feature is available which allows the battery bank to be connected to a mains electricity supply for additional charging in the garage. This would, for example, allow a driver commuting in heavy traffic to immediately resume in ÅZero Modeâ the next morning after arriving home the previous evening having used up all its range. A neat socket is located behind the Saab badge on the 9-3 BioPower Hybrid Conceptâs trunk lid."
That paragraph is missing from the press release that I received and reproduced here.
So it seems that Saab, after taking a lead role in the development of this technology, was pushed into hushing this up. The question now is what car will the plug-in feature on? And what is GMâs real attitude towards Saab being seen as an innovative, environmentally responsible and yet sporting brand within the GM portfolio?
Saab BioPower Hybrid Concept World's First Fossil-Free Hybrid Vehicle
30 March, 2006
* Innovative hybrid concept based on pure bioethanol
* Zero fossil CO2 emissions in all modes
* 191 kW/260 bhp Saab BioPower engine running on E100 fuel
* Increased performance with threefold torque boost from electric motors
* Fuel saving 'Zero Mode' for city driving on electric power only
* Energy saving features including regenerative braking
* Estimated fuel consumption. 7.8L/100 km, mixed driving
* Space efficient modular design uses existing vehicle architecture
* All-wheel-drive for improved traction
The innovative Saab BioPower Hybrid Concept, making its world premiere at the Stockholm Motor Show (March 30 - April 9, 2006), delivers zero fossil CO2 emissions, enhanced performance and a range of energy-saving features by combining the use of pure bioethanol fuel and electric power generation for the first time. As the world's first fossil-free hybrid vehicle, the Saab 9-3 Convertible show car also becomes the world's first hybrid soft-top.
Packing formidable pulling power from its 191 kW 2.0-litre turbo BioPower engine and 53 kW electric motor, the BioPower Hybrid Concept in the Saab 9-3 can briefly generate torque values three times greater than its petrol-only equivalent. It is a sporty combination that makes for improved performance, as you would expect from Saab, as well as greater fuel economy and an extended driving range.
Saab's modular hybrid system features a maintenance-free, 300-volt battery bank designed to last the lifetime of the vehicle, a 38 kW rear-mounted electric motor, a 15 kW integrated starter generator and all-wheel-drive with electric power transmission to the rear wheels. The entire system has been packaged without sacrificing cabin accommodation or trunk space, as demonstrated by its unveiling in the Saab 9-3 Convertible.
The all-aluminium 2.0-litre BioPower engine is modified to run on pure E100 bioethanol fuel, giving zero fossil CO2 exhaust emissions, and operates in tandem with the electrical power system. This offers fuel-saving stop/start functionality, torque boosting electric power assistance on demand, an electric-only 'Zero Mode' for city driving and regenerative braking.
The BioPower Hybrid Concept prototype car, a 9-3 sport sedan with automatic transmission, is expected to achieve zero to 100 kph acceleration in just 6.9 seconds, a substantial improvement against 8.8 seconds for the equivalent petrol model. Even more impressive is 80 to 120 kph acceleration on 'kick-down' in only 5.5 seconds.
"Hybrids are certainly interesting for Saab in the future and this project allows us to evaluate and explore the potential of hybrid technology in combination with BioPower," says Jan Ã
ke Jonsson, Saab Automobile's Managing Director.
"Although the exact hybrid application shown in this concept does not currently figure in our production plans, the project has been extremely valuable in helping us further our expertise. It shows how we could develop the sporty performance associated with Saab while using only renewable resources and saving energy overall."
The Saab BioPower Hybrid Concept is the first project to be announced under a joint investment program between General Motors R&D (Research and Development) and the Swedish government. This has established a research and development office in Trollhättan, Sweden, focusing on vehicle safety, engine emissions and advanced manufacturing in collaboration with Swedish universities, research laboratories and suppliers.
Saab is a 100 percent subsidiary of General Motors which is committed to reducing vehicle emission and improving fuel economy through the implementation of a three-tiered, advanced propulsion technology strategy. The ultimate goal is the introduction of hydrogen fuel cell powered vehicles that emit only water and remove the vehicle from the environmental debate.
In the near to mid-term, hybrid propulsion will bridge the gap between todayâs technology and tomorrowâs hydrogen fuel cell powered vehicles. GM is also focused on introducing alternative fuels and new technologies to improve the efficiency of internal combustion engines and transmissions, further reducing vehicle emissions and increasing fuel economy.
BioPower propulsion
The Saab 9-5 2.0t BioPower is already an outstanding sales success in Sweden, where it is currently the best selling flex-fuel vehicle on the market and able to exploit a fast-developing network of filling station selling E85 (85% bioethanol/15% petrol) fuel.
The Saab BioPower Hybrid Concept now goes a step further by using an engine fuelled by pure E100 bioethanol. This is a BioPower evolution of the current all-aluminium, 16-valve 2.0-liter turbo engine in the Saab 9-3 range. It now develops 191 kW/260 bhp and an impressive 375 Nm maximum torque, 24 per cent and 25 per cent more respectively than on petrol. The engine incorporates an integrated starter generator (ISG) and also charges a 300-volt battery bank, mounted under the floor of the trunk.
It retains a flex-fuel capability and features a Spark Ignited Direct Injection (SIDI) system for optimum combustion with E100; ensuring the same cold starting performance as a normal gasoline engine. Variable inlet and exhaust cam phasing is used for optimum breathing and more durable valves and valve seats are fitted, together with bioethanol-compatible materials for the fuel system.
The compact 42-Volt ISG, built into the flywheel between the engine and transmission, is the power behind the Saab BioPower Hybrid Concept's fuel-saving, stop/start
functionality. It serves a multi-functional role as a starter motor, alternator and 15 kW engine power booster, while also helping to iron out residual crankshaft vibrations.
For the Saab BioPower Hybrid Concept application, a series of further steps are taken to optimise the engine's fuel saving capacity. Auxiliary functions, such as the water pump, air conditioning and power steering systems, are now removed from the engine's belt drive and electrically powered instead, through the hybrid system.
The five-speed automatic transmission, with Saab Sentronic sequential selection, includes an all-wheel-drive capability by the simultaneous addition of electrically powered drive to the rear wheels.
Hybrid booster
A parallel hybrid system has been adopted, where the control strategy is based on efficient 'energy management' - recovering, storing and feeding back energy that is otherwise lost in a vehicle powered only by an internal combustion engine. The engineering team have utilised General Motors' hybrid experience in the development of stop/start engine functionality, electric rear-wheel drive systems and regenerative braking. Apart from converters to manage AC/DC and 12,42 and 300-volt interfaces, the system consists of just three core components: two electric motors and a battery bank.
Electric energy storage is provided by a 42-cell, 300-volt lithium-ion battery bank, designed to be entirely maintenance-free throughout the lifetime of the vehicle. Its performance is carefully monitored and governed by an electronic control unit, through which electric current from the engine is fed.
This power pack is accommodated under the floor of the trunk, without taking up any stowage space, as demonstrated in the Stockholm show car. There is also the possibility of providing a 'plug out' facility, through an integrated 220-volt DC/AC converter, as a power source for outdoor appliances.
The battery supplies a compact 38 kW electric motor located between the rear wheels which powers a transmission differential and drive shafts. At low speeds, this Rear Drive
Unit (RDU) is able to briefly generate 666 Nm of additional torque.
In reverse operation, the motor acts as a generator to provide 'regenerative braking'. It automatically recovers kinetic energy otherwise lost during braking and converts this into additional battery charging. It also performs the same function whenever the driver lifts off the throttle, harnessing the energy in the rotating drive shafts. This is achieved without any perceptible change in the rate of deceleration.
The second electric motor is the integrated starter generator (ISG) located within the flywheel between the engine and main transmission. On demand, it contributes 15 kW of additional power and 120 Nm of extra torque to the output of the engine through the front wheels.
Driving Benefits
The sophisticated electronic control of the hybrid componentry is matched to the operating parameters of the BioPower engine to provide seamless power assistance and power saving functionality.
Under transient driving conditions, both electric motors are activated to augment the power of the engine, increasing standing start acceleration and in-gear performance for safe overtaking. This briefly raises total power by as much as 28 per cent - without raising fuel consumption.
At take off, the Saab BioPower Hybrid Concept also exploits the instant torque generation of its electric motors, smoothly adding strong, accelerative power during the engine's pick-up, from tick-over to about 1,500 rpm. It is during this phase that the available pulling power, or torque, is more than tripled.
An estimated fuel of saving of 5-7% is provided by the automatic engine stop/start function. Whenever the vehicle is stationary, the engine is immediately shut-off to save fuel. As soon as the brake is released, it is automatically started again by the powerful ISG. The operation is carried out seamlessly and requires no input from the driver.
In congested driving conditions, fuel saving is taken a step further by the Saab BioPower Hybrid Concept's 'Zero Mode' operation - giving zero fuel consumption, and, of course, zero emissions - which can be selected by the driver via a button in the central console. At speeds below 50 kph, 'Zero Mode' will shut off the engine and again switch the car over to electric power only through the RDU. In this mode, the battery bank provides a range of between 10 and 20 kilometres. The engine is smoothly re-engaged whenever the battery status approaches a low charge level or the electronic throttle opening requires acceleration beyond the 50 kph operating limit.
To optimise the availability of 'Zero Mode', a plug-in-feature is available which allows the battery bank to be connected to a mains electricity supply for additional charging in the garage. This would, for example, allow a driver commuting in heavy traffic to immediately resume in 'Zero Mode' the next morning after arriving home the previous evening having used up all its range. A neat socket is located behind the Saab badge on the 9-3 BioPower Hybrid Concept's trunk lid.
Whenever the engine is shut down all auxiliary functions, such as the power steering, air conditioning and lighting, remain unaffected because they now permanently electrically-powered through the battery. The removal of unnecessary loadings on the engine further contributes to fuel economy and in mixed driving the estimated range of Saab 9-3 BioPower Hybrid Concept test vehicles, with a standard 62 litre tank, is a competitive 800 kms. Estimated fuel consumption. 7.8L/100 km, mixed driving.
Finally, in low grip road conditions, traction can be optimized by the addition of rear-wheel-drive for improved handling and safety. For example, when the electronic traction control system (TCS) is activated at the front wheels, the car can be balanced by the application of rear drive.
Driver instrumentation for the Saab BioPower Hybrid Concept is as discreet as the installation of its hybrid engineering. In the main instrument cluster, icons are illuminated to indicate when the car is running on engine and/or electric power. An additional gauge is also fitted to show the power status of the battery bank. Under electric power, the needle will steadily fall and then rise again when the engine provides charging. The turbo boost gauge is calibrated by tree icons, a playful reminder of the car's renewable energy source.
In overall operation, the Saab BioPower Hybrid Concept is designed to deliver enhanced performance and valuable energy savings. The concept can enrich driving appeal while also moving further towards the goal of sustainable mobility.
Further Information:
GM has a diverse hybrid program, with three separate systems designed to provide an opportunity for more consumers to own a hybrid vehicle and benefit from increased fuel savings. Next year, GM will introduce in the USA the worldâs first two-mode hybrid system in the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon full-size SUVs. This will be mated with Active Fuel ManagementTM to deliver a fuel economy improvement of at least 25 per cent. The Saturn Vue Green Line SUV, with a new, more affordable hybrid system giving estimated fuel savings of up to 20 per cent, goes on sale in the US this summer. Hybrid vehicles currently on the US market include the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickup trucks with fuel saving stop/start technology.
Bioethanol fuel is produced commercially from agricultural crops such as sugarcane, corn and other forms of biomass. When considering CO2 emission savings, the whole chain - feedstock, fuel supply and vehicle combustion - must be considered Dependent on its source and its production process, the use of bioethanol can reduce CO2 emissions up 90 per cent against fossil gasoline. This is because emissions from its combustion are balanced by an amount of CO2 that is removed from the atmosphere when energy crops are grown. In this way, the CO2 present in the atmosphere remains in a natural cycle, whereas CO2 emissions from the use of a fossil fuel - such as gasoline or diesel - add new CO2 to the atmosphere which has been locked up in oil deposits underground.
_______________________________________ Saabnet.com Webmaster Saabs Owned: 1973 Saab Sonett III (Current) 1983 Saab 900 Turbo 1985 Saab 900 Sedan 1990 Saab 900 1992 Saab 900S 1999 Saab 9-3 Turbo 2005 Saab 9-2X Aero (RIP 95K/Accident-guy ran stop sign) 2005 Saab 9-2X Aero (Current) 2007 Saab 9-3 SportCombi 2010 Saab 9-3X Wagon Winner 1996 Saab Owners Convention Rally Novice Class Winner 1999 Saab Owners Convention Rally (All Classes) Also Founder of two non-profits: Poverty2Prosperity.org RunClubMenloPark.org
, Fri, 28 Sep 2007 13:55:56 <-- Viewing This Message
, Fri, 28 Sep 2007 17:27:11, Fri, 28 Sep 2007 19:56:08
No Site Registration is Required to Post - Site Membership is optional (Member Features List), but helps to keep the site online
for all Saabers. If the site helps you, please consider helping the site by becoming a member.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
