I'd love to see two identical cars (or very close to it), one with IMA and cylinder deactivation, the other with HSD.
Whenever fuel cell vehicles start to make it on the streets (15+ years from now), I'm wondering if IMA will be better. From what I've heard, FCVs have poor acceleration, so the IMA might be a relatively simple way to solve that problem. In the meantime, the HSD has the edge.
I like the Honda IMA's simplicity:
- small engine for ultra-high economy
- motor for momentary bursts of power
Also, if the IMA dies (or with age-the battery is weak), it doesn't matter. The Honda can still operate as a pure gasoline car. You can avoid an expensive ~$2000 repair bill, and still use your car.
It would be far worse going out on the Insight than the Civic, since the Insight depends on the IMA to balance out the torque from the 3 cylinders. the I4 in the civic is balanced pretty well so it wouldnt be much of an issue. Both cars have a backup starter...*yup, the ol' alternator that pretty much every other car on the market uses.* incorrect, it uses a gear reduction 12v starter
Are you *sure* the Insight / HCH have conventional alternators ? I'm 99% sure that the Accord doesn't - there's no reference to it in the service manual, because I looked for it. Instead, the charging system overview / diagrams suggest that IMA replentishes the charge in the 12V storage battery. Also, if you look under the hood of the AH, you see a bright orange IMA cable shield running to...the 12V battery.
IMO, it would make sense to dispense with an alternator, so as to not incur drivetrain loss (you can see there's no accessory belt whatsoever on the car, which made me start looking for the alternator - I'll guess the other two cars are the same).
All three cars *do* have conventional gear reduction starters - but if the main IMA components go south (especially the MDM, IPM, to some extent, the MCM, and of course, the NiMH pack), I'm not sure that the storage battery is going to receive any / enough charge - making the amount of time that the car can run without the IMA system short-lived (unless you're carrying a portable jump-starting system around). If anyone's curious about this, I can research a little further.
Finally, to address Delta Flyer's post - the IMA isn't the flywheel, per se, but the electric motor *is* connected to the flywheel / crank assy. If the conventional 12V starter is used, it does mesh with the flywheel gear, as per 'normal'.
PS: Love the 'Smilin' Bob' avatar!
Mark
Sometimes we could all use a little less
My hybrid automobiles:
Current:
2006 Honda Civic Hybrid (CVT, w/o Nav)
Magnetic Pearl / Blue - 008661, born 12/28/05
Mods: Neck pillows, Garmin C330 Nav, Draw-tite 1.25" hitch (for bikes, not towing!), Pioneer Inno XM receiver via Aux jack, OEM mud flaps, more to come!
Hypermiler status on 3/12/06 @ 3077mi.
New to the site ? Have a question ?
'Search' is your friend - there's a good chance someone has asked / answered your question already, so give it a try!
...Finally, to address Delta Flyer's post - the IMA isn't the flywheel, per se, but the electric motor *is* connected to the flywheel / crank assy. If the conventional 12V starter is used, it does mesh with the flywheel gear, as per 'normal'.
PS: Love the 'Smilin' Bob' avatar!
I think the IMA gets a small charge trying to do the flywheel's job when it's not doing a real assist.
Those Smiling Bob commericals are just a hoot and was thinking: "Five states are suing for deceptive ads (Enzyte) using those Smiling Bob commericials. Great ad - dubious product. Why not make a plug for a great product - the Insight?"
In fact, I'll start waving on the road just like Bob!
...yup, the ol' alternator that pretty much every other car on the market uses.
Gong!
Sorry but I don't think so. The Honda's use a DC to DC converter that charges the 12v battery from the big pack. I could be wrong but I believe they lack a conventional alternator.
Re: HSD vs. IMA vs. ...
