Some thoughts on hypermiling and hybrids (long) - Page 2 - GreenHybrid

laurie · #11 (**permalink**) 10-07-2005, 06:13 AM

question: does the HCH shut off cylinders when it is cruising?

Delta Flyer · #12 (**permalink**) 10-07-2005, 06:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by laurie

question: does the HCH shut off cylinders when it is cruising?

If you mean going from 4 to 2 cylinders the way an Accord hybrid does from 6 to 3 - no. I was hoping the 2006 HCH would do that.

gonavy · #13 (**permalink**) 10-07-2005, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan

I'm testing some techniques on non-hybrids and something I started thinking of is RPMi (revolutions/mi). Helps me remember that low RPM in a low gear can be less FE than higher RPM in a high gear. The trick is to get where your going with the fewest cylinders firings.

RPMi = 60*RPM/miles per hour . . . . . . . .// To make the math simple just leave off the 60, that gives revolutions per KiloInch (RPKi).

...simple. Lower the RPMi the better... and neutral has great RPMi as long as your miles per hour is still high. As for the div0 problem, use limits. As MPH approaches zero, RPMi approaches infinity. Basically translate to "dead stop idling is bad"

nice technique.
and nice touch adding the limit clause!

fernando_g · #14 (**permalink**) 10-07-2005, 12:27 PM

My two yen on the subject:

One of the best tools a hybrid driver has, is the instantaneous fuel economy gauge.
I don't know about you, but prior to me driving a hybrid, I would do so many dumb things that kill FE, and I was not even aware of!

This gauge is one heck of an instructor, for any driver who is willing to use it, the nuances of improving FE.

So this is good news... any vehicle, regardless of the powerplant technology, can have one of these gauges for a minimal cost impact, and a substantial FE improvement.
Now the key here is "for any driver who is willing to use it". There is no substitute for the discipline required to achive high FE....... anything from driving style changes, to rational use of A/C, to air pressure verification, etc, etc, etc.

Dan · #15 (**permalink**) 10-07-2005, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fernando_g

My two yen on the subject:
... to rational use of A/C ...

In South Texas ?!?! You are a braver man than me!