Ricardo Contributes to Development of Hybrid Powertrain Solutions
Recently at the CTI Symposium in Berlin, the British company Ricardo has presented its cutting-edge e-motor as well as a new dual-clutch transmission (DCT) solution with the east-west mounting, which is notable for its compact size and integration capacities with an e-motor in hybrid vehicles.
Participants of the
CTI Symposium share their insights
Thanks to the latest technologies, Ricardo engineers managed to develop the e-motor with enhanced operation characteristics and low-cost electrification. This e-motor turns out to be a promising and budget-friendly solution in comparison with current analogs. The structural development and certification of this new 25kW, 48V e-motor was performed within the scope of the company’s participation in the ECOCHAMPS project sponsored by the EU. This project includes 25 companies from 8 countries and the main project objective is to design more efficient hybrid powertrains for passenger cars and CVs. The company also provided a document with detailed information on the e-motor and its oil-cooled inverter. With its enhanced operation characteristics and compact design, the e-motor and inverter combination is a perfect solution for 48V hybrid applications.
E-motor integrated
with the compact DCT
But, much more attention was captured by the
new DCT concept. The new dual-clutch solution has been designed on the basis of
Ricardo’s proven record in the development of gearboxes for sports cars. The
dual-clutch of this system stays aligned with the engine, while the 2 outputs
drive high-speed bevel gears respectively transmitting torque to the odd and
even gears plus reverse gear. In terms of design, the DCT solution, provided by
the Ricardo, has the following advantages: this unit is significantly shorter
in length than its analogs, ensures superior weight distribution, decreased vehicle
polar moment of inertia, and simplified integration capability with e-motors in
hybrid powertrain applications.
Easytronic
transmission (above) and the solution provided by Ricardo (below)
The company is well-known for its achievements in development of DSG transmissions. Using the example of the Easytronic transmission from the Opel Corsa model, Ricardo engineers proposed replacing separate actuators for clutch and gear selection with a single electromagnetic actuator. Thanks to this solution, the size and weight of the gearbox have been significantly reduced. And most importantly, the gear selection mechanism started operating eight times faster, and the total period of torque delivery interruption was reduced to 0.35 s. Ricardo provided the DSG transmission for Bugatti Veyron. This DSG is notable for the capacity of transmitting higher torque in comparison with other DSG analogs. Moreover, Ricardo provides a seven-speed paddle-shifted dual-clutch transmission for the long anticipated Aston Martin Valkyrie.
Aston Martin Valkyrie
About Ricardo
Ricardo company was established by Harry Ricardo in 1915. It is headquartered in England. The company mainly specializes in production of automotive equipment, gearboxes, engines, intelligent transports, and hybrid powertrains. Ricardo is considered to be a key player in innovative solutions for the global transport industry. Engineering centers of the company are dotted all over the world. The list of company customers and partners includes major automakers, well-known suppliers of car components as well as racing teams. Gearboxes designed by Ricardo were installed in several sports cars. Ricardo employs professional engineers with several fields of expertise.
