ePower Engine Systems
ePower Engine Systems, llc. is a developer of hybrid electric drive train technology for Class 8 trucks. It was issued US Patent 8,783,396 on July 22, 2014 encompassing their drive train technology.[1] ePower is in the final stages of its Research and Development of a diesel electric kit for rebuilding older Class 8 trucks. The kit consists of a road-certified diesel engine, batteries, electric motor and an automatic transmission from major manufacturers.[2]
Technique
[edit]ePower Engine Systems' technique is to have a diesel generator drive an electric motor and utilize an automatic transmission to drive the wheels of large Class 8 trucks (called semi trucks in the USA). Batteries are used to store additional power needed to climb grades and recharged either by the genset or regenerative braking.[1] The diesel engine being used is about 1/2 the size of a normal engine found in one of these trucks. Therefore, the diesel consumption is about thirty to forty percent less than a normal truck.[3][4][5] The company is currently experimenting with an Eaton 10-speed transmission and Super capacitors. The Cummins diesel engine, Marathon generator and Marathon electric motor remain as in prior versions of the kit.
References
[edit]- ^ a b [1] US Patent 8,783,396
- ^ "http://www.epowerengines.com/technology.html Archived 2015-02-21 at the Wayback Machine"
- ^ "http://nebula.wsimg.com/9a30b82ef429afaee7fb299df5e2bf7e?AccessKeyId=730A7BBD752D90E9E14F&disposition=0&alloworigin=1"
- ^ "http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/trucks/g116/10-things-you-didnt-know-about-semi-trucks/?slide=5"
- ^ "2013 Vehicle Technologies Market Report". ornl.gov.
External links
[edit]- Official website
- "Alternative Energy Stocks".
- Bloomberg Businessweek Company Overview for ePower Engine Systems LLC
- "Startup ePower Engine Systems, Inc".
- Rich Piellesch, Fleets and Fuel, "Ten More Axion PbC Packs for ePower", July 15, 2013
- World Industrial Reporter, "Class 8 Heavy Trucks to be Powered by Locomotive Technology", October 1, 2013
- TheTrucker.com, ePower Engine Systems to debut hybrid drive train technology", 3/28/2011