Analysis of Energy Efficiency Parameters of a Hybrid Vehicle Powered by Fuel with a Liquid Catalyst

Abstract

A notable trend in the modern automotive market is the increased interest in hybrid cars. Hybrid cars combine a standard internal combustion engine with an electric motor solution. Research into increasing the energy efficiency of a conventional unit while meeting increasingly stringent exhaust emission standards is becoming a key postulate in this matter. This article discusses an analysis of modifying the fuel used by hybrid vehicles using the example of a selected drive unit equipped with a spark-ignition engine. This effect was tested after the Eco Fuel Shot liquid catalyst was added to the fuel. The research process was carried out in two stages, as follows: in road conditions using the Dynomet road dynamometer; and on the V-tech VT4/B2 chassis dynamometer. Tests were carried out to replicate road tests with a catalytic additive in the fuel. A mathematical model was created and the following energy efficiency parameters of the hybrid vehicle were calculated: the torque of the internal combustion engine, electric motor, and generator; the rotational speeds of the internal combustion engine, electric motor, and generator; the power of the internal combustion engine, electric motor, and generator; the equivalent fuel consumption of the electric motor and generator; the fuel consumption of the internal combustion engine, electric motor, and generator; and the mileage fuel consumption of the internal combustion engine, electric motor, and generator. The results of the tests made it possible to identify the benefits of using the tested liquid catalyst on the operation of the drive system of the analyzed hybrid vehicle. This research will be of benefit to both the demand side in the form of users of this category of vehicles, and the supply side represented by the manufacturers of power units.