Hydraulic Hybrid - Ingocar

The INGOCAR achieves 1,23 L/100km (190 MPG), extremely low “Well-to-Wheel” (WTW) emissions of 33 gr/km CO2, and extra long travel range of 1.600 km (1,000 miles). The driving performance with 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 3 sec. and increased safety conditions with the automatically extending active bumpers factors are significantly improved.

The vehicle consists of the platform and the body. Both are manufactured independently from each other and are connected during final assembly through four dampening elements. Size and power of the platform are determined by the wheelbase, track, and total weight of the car independent on the type of body. Maintenance, repair, and model change-over are simplified and lower in costs.

The reductions in weight, fuel consumption and emissions are based on the light platform structure, the highly charged Hydraulic Free-Piston Engine (HFPE) operating only at constant speed and power, and the recuperation of the entire braking energy through the Hydraulic Wheel motors. The energy is stored in the accumulator, the very stiff backbone of the car. The accumulator assembly withstands the high internal pressure and external forces from accidents without damage. The Ingocar is about 1.270 kg (2,800 lbs.) lighter, and the manufacturing costs are like conventional cars or lower.

The drivable platform includes active hydraulic bumpers at all four sides. They are automatically extended by the Platform Control Unit (PCU) by 60 cm (24") before a crash occurs and transfer the impact energy into the accumulator. The settings adjust automatically from ´soft´ for pedestrians to ´hard´ for larger objects and higher speeds. The side-bumpers are not shown in the renderings. The shock absorbers of the suspension and between platform and body are also controlled by the PCU to minimize undesirable body movements, like leaning and diving.

Bursting of the accumulator through an accident is basically impossible due to the long distances of 60 cm (24") to absorb the crash energy, and the possible release of non-flammable pressurized gas (Nitrogen) shortly before impact.

The active hydraulic bumpers and an electronic control system of the vehicle allow for a cloud-controlled bumper-to-bumper traffic pattern to increase safety and reduce fuel consumption, emissions and costs. The simple control of the hydrostatic drive, like speed, engine on-off, accumulator State of Charge (SOC), and movable bumpers for entering and leaving the train, support autonomous driving. In addition, the independent torque control of each wheel through the PCU enables ´torque-vectoring´ for improved stability and handling.

The FPE and the wheel motors during braking pump fluid under high pressure with up to 450 bar (6,530 psi) into the accumulator by compressing the non-flammable Nitrogen gas which stores the energy. When reaching the desired SOC, the engine turns off automatically, and the fluid drives the wheel motors up to the desired speed, without shifting. For braking, the motors are reversed and pump the entire braking energy back into the accumulator. One charge is good for driving about 4.8 km (3 miles). The SOC is controlled by the PCU to provide always full capacity for acceleration or braking. Unlike electric batteries, super-capacitors, or fuel cells the accumulator has principally an unlimited life and maintains its full capacity also at low temperatures.

Electric-Hydraulic Module

In addition to the FPE, the Electric-Hydraulic Module (EH-Module) consisting of a battery, electric motor, and hydraulic pump for charging the accumulator can be simply attached to the front axle. The portable EH-Module weighs 52 kg (115 lbs.) and the battery 36 kg (80 lbs.) and allows for emission-free travel for up to 100 km (62 miles). The reduction in emissions is marginal when compared to the FPE (Diesel) and non-existing when operating with Hydrogen.

Weight - Fuel Consumption - Emissions

The weight of the load-carrying car platform is based on CAD data and computer simulations from VTI, and that of the non-load carrying car body from reports from the Rocky Mountain Institute. (T.C. Moore, A.B. Lovins: Vehicle Design Strategies to Meet and Exceed PNGV Goals.)

The high mileage and low emissions are the result of:

1. Low vehicle weight of 590 kg (1,300 lbs.), a saving of 1.270 kg (2,800 lbs.) or 68% when compared to BEV.                                                                                            
2. Low fuel consumption of the FPE (-35%) due to the high compression ratio and charge pressure (BMEP 35 bar+), reduced combustion heat losses through a compact, insulated combustion chamber, and exhaust energy recuperation through the Piston Impulse Charger (PIC).                                                                                                                                                                                                         
3. Recuperation of the entire braking energy. Savings: City 32%, NEDC 14%, Hwy 6%. (Argonne NL / SAE2013-01-1462 / VTI)
    
4. Low drag resistance. cw = 0.22, smooth underbody, narrow tires, small cooling surfaces, tapered rear (Rumpler type).
    
5. Particulate matter (PM) from braking eliminated through hydrostatic braking. Tire wear reduced by 3/4 due to the low weight of the vehicle and narrow tires.