The technology behind powering cars is changing with the powertrain, which was traditionally a combustion engine, moving towards electrical power.
This is due to two main factors – the first being to make fuel more efficient and the second the fact that many countries now have legislation in place with regard to carbon emissions.
Part of the development of new technologies is measuring their performance and this is done by looking at a number of areas.
Vibration test services are engaged along with ways of measuring temperature and pressure and the figures are brought together in order to give an overall analysis of how effective the hybrid engine is.
This is a very important part of the process and helps to establish the effectiveness and drivability of the new technology in the final stages.
What is complicated when it comes to hybrid engines is that two separate processes for obtaining power are being used in conjunction.
All of the components must be measured in both the electrical and mechanical systems, but all simultaneously, otherwise the readings may not correlate.
Testing them separately and in isolation before adding them up could result in a different and less accurate result than measuring them all together.
Hybrid cars still only take up a small amount of the vehicle market, but they are being seen more viable as they become more sophisticated.
One of the major benefits for hybrid cars is that the engine can be smaller, as it alone is not relied upon and this makes it lighter.
This is better in terms of fuel efficiency and the battery can recapture energy that is not used and then power it into the car.
Hybrid cars are generally less noisy than their conventional equivalent and are best suited for driving in city traffic.
This is due to the relatively slow pace and the number of stops and starts which tend to occur.
Posted by Jack Painter