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Axial Vector Energy Corporation Develops Hybrid Electric Drive Train Featuring Axial Engine and New Electric Clutch

Axial Vector Energy Corporation (AVEC) has developed a new hybrid electric drive train comprising a small axial-type, multi-fuel AVEC engine (earlier post), an AVEC generator/motor and an all new electric clutch.

The electric clutch is composed of AVEC permanent magnets and coils and is engaged when the two come in proximity. The new clutch is more than 80% efficient with less than 1% slip. Conventional transmissions are significantly less efficient and costlier to operate, as evidenced by the waste heat that they generate, AVEC says.

When the batteries are fully charged, the vehicle is 100% electric. If the batteries are low in charge, the AVEC engine starts, engages the generator and stays on until the batteries are charged. The engine will also come on in response to a need for a sudden burst of speed. The design of the power train allows both the engine and generator/motor to operate at peak efficiency, regardless of speed. The recharging system can also operate when the vehicle is in neutral or parked.

Apart from using AVEC’s new, smaller engine and generator/motor combination in an all new automotive application, what’s really new here is the electric clutch, which can be used between both AVEC’s engine and generator/motor and between the motor and the differential connecting the drive wheels. If we omit the engine and use the space for additional batteries, we then have a solution for an all electric plug-in vehicle.

—AVEC project engineer Douglas Hahn

The Axial Vector Engine is an axial-type engine that uses a sinusoidal cam rather than a crankshaft to convert the linear motion of the opposed pistons into rotational motion in the drive shaft. Intake and exhaust valves open and close by a patent-pending method of rotating cam and trunions.

AVEC has showed a production version of its technology—the 325 hp (242 kW), 1,140 lb-ft (1,546 N·m “Workhorse 7.2” engine and 100 kW generator—in 2009. It has also demonstrated a smaller 60 hp (45 kW) application, developed targeted at the growing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) market.

In February, AVEC and Kirloskar Oil Engines (KOEL) signed a binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) for a joint venture for the mass production of the AVEC engines. The JV will be held 76% by KOEL—India’s largest manufacturer of diesel engines, both air-cooled and liquid cooled, covering a power range of 3 hp to 11,000 hp—and 24% by Axial Vector.

In March, AVEC announced it was relocating all of its research and development assets to Virginia in response to recent Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) contract requirements and US Navy Secretary Ray Mabus’ recent decision to accelerate spending on alternative fuel capable engines and generators. The next full scale demonstration of AVEC biofuel capable engines to the joint services is scheduled for June 2010.

In April, AVEC announced it had executed $1.2 million of Subscription Agreements with European, North American and Arabian Gulf investors for the sale of approximately 12 million restricted equity units at $.10 per unit. Net proceeds will be approximately $1.2 million.

The majority of the transaction has been closed and is anticipated to be fully closed today, subject to customary closing conditions. A call on the warrants will provide the company with an additional $6.0 million.

This $1.2 million allows us to pay off our liabilities and invest immediately to achieve full SEC reporting, appoint directors, fund communication with the investment community and pay for a move to a more senior exchange. The balance of approximately $800,000 will be used to finance the go to market cost of licensing our Green and Clean family of multi fuel engines, generators, electric motors and gensets.

—AVEC Chairman Sam Higgins

Comments

kelly

Sounds interesting, but wish there were cost and performance figures.

citizen

in spite of their years of announcements, i'm not sure axial vector has produced anything that is saleable, except maybe shares of stock. am i wrong?

ToppaTom

"The electric clutch .. engaged when the two come in proximity. "
What a novel idea.

". . is more than 80% efficient with less than 1% slip."

I cannot get this type of efficiency unless I let the clutch pedal most of the way out.


"Conventional transmissions are significantly less efficient and costlier to operate, as evidenced by the waste heat that they generate, AVEC says."

Oh no, now we will try to harness this heat with thermopiles.

Oh, and the noise (gear whine), harness that too.

I think you are right - they are just another Scuderi.

HarveyD

This may work well with ESStor storage units by 2100?

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