Under the Kyoto Protocol, signed in 1997, many countries have taken responsibility for reducing harmful emissions into the atmosphere.

Given the fact that Japan was one of the initiators of this protocol, many large Japanese companies launched a number of projects to reduce emissions. Toyota Motor was one of the companies - here in 1992 they presented the Earth Charter, later supplemented by the Environmental Action Plan.

These two documents have identified one of the most priority areas of the company's activity today - the development of new environmentally friendly technologies. Within the framework of this program, several variants of power plants were developed, including a hybrid power plant, which appeared in 1997 on Toyota Prius Hybrid cars.

Development of a car with a hybrid power plant began in 1994. The main task for the engineers was to create an electric motor and power supplies that could, if not replace, then at least effectively supplement the main engine. internal combustion.

Toyota engineers, by their own admission, tested over a hundred variants of various schemes and layouts, which allowed them to create a truly effective scheme called the Toyota Hybrid System. As a result, after bringing the system to a fully working model, it was installed on the car Toyota Prius Hybrid (model NHW10), the company's first hybrid vehicle.

The THS system is a combined power plant consisting of an internal combustion engine, two electric motors and a continuously variable HSD transmission. The 1NZ-FXE petrol engine with a volume of 1500 cm3 is capable of developing a power of 58 hp, and the total power of the electric motors is 30 kW. Electric motors use the energy stored in high-voltage batteries with a reserve of 1.73 kWh.

Main feature power plant was that electric motors could also work as a generator - when driving on a gasoline engine, as well as during regenerative braking, they charged the battery and allowed it to be used again after a while. The engine itself worked according to the Atkinson principle, thanks to which the average fuel consumption in urban conditions ranged from 5.1 to 5.5 l / 100 km.

The electric motor could work both separately from the main engine, and in a synergistic mode, allowing faster acceleration to a more economical transmission. All this made it possible to reduce the amount of harmful emissions into the atmosphere to about 120 g / km - for comparison, the Ferrari LaFerrari hybrid hypercar emits 330 g / km into the atmosphere.

Despite its advantages and economy, the Toyota Prius Hybrid was greeted rather coolly - the unusual power plant, not powerful enough even for a quiet ride of a car weighing over 1200 kg, affected.

Therefore, in 2000, the power plant was modified in the NHW11 version - the power of the gasoline engine was increased from 58 to 72 hp, and the power of the electric motor - from 30 to 33 kW. Also, thanks to small changes in the energy storage system, the capacity of the VVB increased to 1.79 kWh.

Second generation NHW20 (2003-2009)

The hybrid model of Toyota Prius, which appeared in 2003, was significantly different from its predecessor. First of all, the hybrid received a five-door hatchback body - this body was more popular among 72% of potential car buyers than a sedan.

The second significant change was the modified THS II powerplant. All the same one and a half liter gasoline engine The 1NZ-FXE was boosted to 76 hp, while the electric motor power was increased to 50 kW. This allowed not only to increase the maximum speed of the hybrid from 160 to 180 km / h on a gasoline engine and from 40 to 60 km / h on an electric motor, but also to reduce the acceleration time to 100 km / h by almost one and a half times.

The use of an inverter of a fundamentally new design made it possible to reduce the mass of batteries from 57 to 45 kg and reduce the number of cells. The stock of accumulated energy decreased from to 1.31 kWh, but since the inverter of the new model made it possible to more efficiently convert recuperative energy, the power reserve on rechargeable batteries increased in comparison with the Prius of the first generation, and the charging speed of the batteries increased by 14%. We also managed to reduce fuel consumption to 4.3 l / 100 km., and the level of carbon monoxide emissions is up to 104 g / km.

Third generation ZVW30 (2009-2016)

Despite clear commercial success, Toyota engineers have continued to refine the model to improve its autonomy with clean energy sources and further reduce emissions. Based on the THS system, a fundamentally new series-parallel hybrid drive Hybrid Synergy Drive has been developed, which works on the same principle, but with a number of significant innovations.

First of all, instead of the exhausted resource increase in the power of the 1NZ-FXE engine, the 2ZR-FXE engine with a volume of 1800 cm3 was installed, developing a power of 99 hp. The power of the electric motor was increased to 60 kW, and its size was reduced thanks to the use of a planetary gear. The regenerative system has been redesigned to improve efficiency and speed up charging times. Despite the increased curb weight to almost 1,500 kg, the dynamic performance has only improved thanks to a more powerful motor.

The use of the new hybrid drive has made it possible not only to improve the dynamic characteristics of the car, but also to make it more economical. According to Toyota engineers, the consumption in mixed mode is 3.6 l / 100 km - this is the passport data.

Naturally, in real conditions this figure is higher, but according to the owners' reviews, on average it does not exceed 4.2-4.5 l / 100 km, against almost 5.5 l / 100 in the second generation Prius.

Another innovation is the 130W roof-mounted solar panel used to operate the climate control system.

In 2012, the model underwent modernization, during which the autonomy of the electric hybrid was significantly increased. New storage batteries have been installed, and their capacity has increased almost 3 times - 21.5 A * h versus 6.5 and the stored energy is 4.4 kW * h versus 1.31. Such a charge allows the hybrid to drive an electric motor for 1.5 km at a top speed of 100 km / h or 20 km at a speed of 40 km / h. In this case, the ejection harmful substances into the atmosphere is only 49 g / km.

Fourth generation (2016)

In the fall of 2015, Toyota presented a new generation Prius Hybrid. The car is based on a completely new platform and is radically different with its aggressive and interesting design, hinting at a sportier character.

This is indeed so - according to the chief engineer of the Prius project, Kouzdi Toyesima, the design of the hybrid was given sporting features, since it became much faster and more dynamic than its predecessors.

The power plant of the Hybrid Synergy Drive has remained virtually unchanged. But thanks to the use of more advanced materials, an increase in the torque of the electric motor and a new electromechanical variator, it was possible to increase the top speed of the car. Also in mid-2016, the first all-wheel drive version of the hybrid will appear, with an additional 7.3 kW electric motor installed in the rear axle.

With the newly designed high-voltage batteries, the hybrid travels more than 50 km on electric traction, and the advanced charging system reduces the full charge time to 90 minutes and makes it possible to reach 60% of the charge in just 15 minutes.

To date, Toyota has sold over 3.5 million of its Prius vehicles. This model is deservedly considered the most popular hybrid in the world and demonstrates with confidence that the future belongs to vehicles with hybrid and electric powertrain, which reduce the harmful impact on the environment.

Video

In conclusion, a video review of the latest version.

Toyota Prius is by far the best-selling hybrid vehicle on the planet. More than 2 million hybrids have been sold since 1997. For the first three years, the car was sold exclusively in Japan. Today Toyota Prius can be bought in Russia. The mass hybrid has survived three generations. In 2014, the next restyling of the model took place.

The principle of operation of the hybrid power plant of the Toyota Prius is as follows. The 1.8-liter petrol engine with only 99 horsepower transmits torque to the generator, which in turn charges the nickel-metal hydride high-voltage battery. The Prius battery powers the electric motors that power the vehicle. The most interesting thing is that last generation the hybrid can also be charged from a regular household outlet, which makes the car even more economical. Also, when braking, kinetic energy, through the recuperation system, recharges the battery a little. That is, the Prius has two braking systems, a regenerative and a conventional frictional one, which starts to work with sharp braking.

Many are primarily interested in the dynamic performance and fuel consumption of the Toyota Prius. It is no secret, acceleration of the Prius to a hundred takes just over 10 seconds, and fuel consumption in the city is 3.9 liters, on the highway this figure is slightly less and is 3.7 liters. AI-95 gasoline is used as fuel. Maximum speed hybrid car today is 180 km / h

Toyota Prius gasoline engine works autonomously, that is, the computer system itself decides when to start it, and when to drown it. In city traffic jams, the car usually moves on electric traction. As such, the car does not have a gearbox. The electric motor picks up any speed pretty quickly. The power of the electric motor is 60 hp, plus 99 comes from gasoline unit.

Toyota Prius exterior is determined by the desire to save fuel, so such a streamlined silhouette of the car body is not casual. The drag coefficient is 0.25, an important indicator when overcoming air resistance. This defines the entire body shape. The latest restyling brought the front end of the car into line with the common denominator of the current corporate identity. Therefore, the front end is very similar to the exterior of the Corolla. We look photos of the European version of the Prius.

Photo Toyota Prius

Toyota Prius interior for passengers is not much different from a regular car. However, the driver lives in a different reality. Instrument panel, center console, gear lever, or rather the mode selector. At first glance, all this is very unusual. The monitors and displays constantly display information about the operating mode of the electric motor, hybrid power plant. According to the manufacturer's assurances, interior trim materials are also very environmentally friendly. Photo salon Prius Further.

Photo salon Toyota Prius

Toyota Prius trunk just as little different from luggage compartment a conventional hatchback, and the ability to fold the rear row of seats makes the car very practical in everyday life. The volume of the luggage compartment is 445 liters, which is a good indicator, given that there is a high-voltage battery under the boot floor. Prius trunk photo see below.

Photo trunk Toyota Prius

Specifications Toyota Prius

Toyota Prius specifications very interesting. The hybrid is less than 4.5 meters long, while wheelbase is 2.7 meters, which makes the car interior very spacious. The vehicle weighs almost 1.5 tons. Ground clearance Prius is not big, only 140 mm. Although why high ground clearance a car that was created as an exclusively city car, under the wheels of which there should always be smooth asphalt.

4-cylinder gasoline engine Prius, it is a 16 valve DOHC with variable valve timing VVT-i, a displacement of 1.8 liters. With a power of 99 hp the torque is 142 Nm. We add to this an electric motor producing 60 hp. at 207 Nm of torque and we get a rather dynamic car.

Toyota Prius transmission has exclusively front-wheel drive... In addition to the gasoline unit and the electric motor, there is also a hybrid continuously variable transmission under the hood of the car. Therefore, in engine compartment, as the saying goes, "the apple has nowhere to fall." Further detailed dimensions Prius.

Weight, volume, clearance, dimensions Toyota Prius

• Length - 4480 mm
• Width - 1745 mm
• Height - 1490 mm
• Wheelbase - 2700 mm
• Front and rear wheel track - 1525/1520 mm
• Front / rear overhang - 925/855 mm
• Cabin length - 1905 mm
• Interior width - 1470 mm
• Interior height - 1225 mm
• Trunk volume Toyota Prius - 445 liters
• Volume fuel tank- 45 liters
• Tire size - 195/65 R15
• Ground clearance or clearance of Toyota Prius - 140 mm

Configuration and price of Toyota Prius

Toyota Prius price in the basic version today is 1,245,000 rubles... For the money, you get a well-packed 5-door hatchback. The initial configuration "Elegance" includes a fairly large set of options, among which -

• 15-inch alloy wheels
• Foldable side mirrors rear view with electric drive, heating and repeaters of turn
• LED daytime running lights
• Fog lights
• Rear View Camera
• 6.1 inch color LCD display on the center console
• Climate control
• Steering column tilt and reach
• Touch control system on-board computer on the steering wheel (Touch Tracer)
• Frontal airbags
• Luggage compartment cover
• Intelligent car access system Smart Entry (for driver's door)
• Polyurethane multifunction steering wheel
• Engine start "Push Start"
• Eco driving display Eco drive support monitor
• Head Up Display
• Audio system with CD / MP3 / WMA support 6 speakers
• Side airbags
• Safety curtains for all rows of seats
• Driver's knee airbag
• Brake Assist (BAS)
• Anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake force distribution (EBD)
• Rear light-emitting diode (LED) lights
• Traction Control (TRC)

But this is not the limit, there are two more configurations, this is "Prestige" for 1,451,000 rubles and "Lux" for 1,595,000 rubles. A special feature of the "Prestige" package is the presence of led headlights, rain and light sensors, cruise control, an advanced audio system and leather interior.

The "Lux" version will please with the presence of a sunroof and a solar panel on the same roof. The energy of the solar battery in this configuration goes to work automatic system air conditioning in the cabin. That is, you can leave the car in the parking lot under the hot sun, and the system itself will cool the interior.

The price of a hybrid Toyota Prius is, of course, higher than that of a conventional car. However, according to the manufacturer, for several years of active operation it will be possible to save a lot of money on fuel. This is especially true in countries where gasoline is quite expensive.

Video Toyota Prius

Video review and test drive of the Prius, watch a rather interesting video.

The market prospects for sales of hybrid vehicles in our country are not as bright as in Japan, Europe or the United States. But hybrid technology does not stand still and continues to evolve. Let's remember that at one time mobile phones were not available to the general public, since they cost a lot of money, but the situation quickly improved. Let's believe that and hybrid cars will become more affordable just as quickly.

Can a five-seater passenger car 4.45 meters long (this is more than that of a VAZ-2110 sedan) have a gasoline consumption in the city (not even diesel fuel) 2.82 liters per 100 kilometers without any damage to dynamic characteristics? Yes, if it's a Toyota Prius II.

First of all, you need to make an amendment - the mentioned consumption was obtained in the test according to the Japanese cycle 10-15, which by its nature is the essence of the urban cycle of movement - as you know, the most problematic for cars in terms of efficiency. As they say, it inspires.

We have already reported that quite recently, when entering the hybrid car market, Ford decided to buy the corresponding technology from Toyota.

It is clear why. The first generation Toyota Prius passenger car, produced from 1997 to 2003, found many buyers around the world.

The newest second generation Prius, as soon as it appeared, won four prestigious awards in the United States at once, including the best car 2004 in North America.

Its stunning performance is provided by the "hybrid-joint drive" (Hybrid synergy drive) - a system that could well be called a hybrid squared. Let's see why.

Toyota is not the only manufacturer serially producing hybrid cars (for example, Honda has a hybrid), and almost all major auto companies have experimental work.

There are two main types of hybrid drive - serial and parallel.

In the first case, the internal combustion engine is not connected to the wheels in any way - it works for a generator that charges the batteries. Traction electric motors, depending on the driving mode, receive current either from batteries or from a generator directly, plus batteries as an additive.

In the second version, the internal combustion engine is connected to the wheels through a conventional gearbox. And an electric motor is connected to the wheels (it does not matter the same or to a different axle), which is powered by batteries.

The central display clearly shows the whirlwind of power flows in the extensive drive system of the Prius II (photo from toyota.com).

In both cases, traction electric motors when braking can work as generators, providing energy return, which gives a gain in economy.

However, the Prius uses a combination of both. So it turns out that we have before us - a hybrid of a hybrid. As the Japanese say, in this case, you can achieve very high efficiency in combination with the same high acceleration dynamics of the car.

Let's walk through the main nodes of the Hybrid synergy drive.

Firstly, it is the internal combustion engine. Displacement 1.5 liters, 4 cylinders, 4 valves per cylinder with variable valve timing, compression ratio 13: 1, power 76 horsepower.

The power, we note, is not the most record for such a volume, but with such a compression ratio.

But this engine is very economical by itself (without taking into account the help of an electric motor).

In addition, it meets the strictest American, not yet introduced, emission standards Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle and Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emission Vehicles, that is, "ultra super low" emission levels and the so-called "partially zero" standard.

Filling a hybrid car from Toyota (illustration from toyota.co.jp).

There is also a separate generator, plus batteries - nickel-metal hydride.

Of their characteristics, attention is drawn to the high output peak power of 28 horsepower (we specially quote the electrical parameters not in kilowatts, so that it is more convenient to compare with the internal combustion engine).

Note that classic batteries on ordinary cars with a huge peak current are "straining" with all their might to turn a starter with a power of one or two "horses".

Naturally there is electronic system redistribution of the load between all these elements in all modes of motion.

It is possible to cruise on only one internal combustion engine, one electric motor, or their joint use.

At the same time, even in the case of uniform movement, part of the ICE power goes to the generator, to the control system, and then to the traction electric motor.

It would seem that these are unnecessary losses on conversion, but this is how engineers achieve the optimal mode ICE operation(revolutions / load), which affects the specific fuel consumption.

The diagram of connections in the "hybrid-hybrid" system (illustration from the site toyota.co.jp).

And also: the large torque of the electric motor, which it is ready to give out at any speed, is a guarantee of comfortable and flexible control of the colossal traction on the driving wheels.

The batteries are charged from both sides at once - from the internal combustion engine and from the wheels (when braking).

Here it is necessary to mention the maximum voltage in this "intelligent" traction power grid - as much as 500 volts.

It assumes relatively low currents for such powers, which means lower losses for ohmic heating of wires in comparison with previously used systems (say, the first Prius had "only" 274 Volts).

The highlight of the machine is the power divider. This is a planetary transmission, the central (solar) wheel of which is connected to the generator, the planetary (carrier) to the internal combustion engine, and the outermost ring to the electric motor and the wheels of the machine.

This system smoothly redistributes power flows between nodes in various directions.

In particular, it is possible to start the machine on one electric motor followed by starting the internal combustion engine in move.

The result of such a complex system speaks for itself.

Sequential and parallel hybrid drives (illustrations from toyota.co.jp).

The overall efficiency of the Prius II (so to speak, calculated by the full path of energy from the tank to the wheels) is 37%, versus 16% for the gasoline counterpart (when operating in the "Japanese" standard urban cycle).

It is difficult to find another gasoline car that is so economical for this size, and even with a peak power reserve of 104 horsepower(ICE plus batteries).

Description

The Prius has a gasoline engine and two electric motor generators, and a low-capacity 6.5 Ah battery (often referred to as a high-voltage battery, HVB). The electric motor can also work as a generator, converting kinetic energy into electricity and recharging the battery. In this case, electricity can be generated both by the operation of a gasoline engine and by braking a car (regenerative braking system). The motors can work either separately or together. The gasoline engine is an Atkinson engine, such engines are economical but have relatively low power. The operation of all engines is controlled by on-board computer.

The Prius is easily recognizable by its streamlined shape. The drag coefficient is only 0.26. The air conditioner runs directly on the battery, independent of the engines.

The cab is equipped with a touchscreen display showing engine operation, battery fullness and other parameters. The display allows you to control your audio system and air conditioning, but not your car. Gears (forward, neutral, rear, power train) are switched not by the gearbox, but by the joystick located near the steering wheel and the button next to it (for parking). " Hand brake»Made in the form of a pedal under the driver's left foot. The speed is shown with a green digital indicator. The car is opened with an electronic ignition key; in the event of a malfunction, it is possible to enter the passenger compartment (but not drive) using a mechanical key. The vehicle is switched on by pressing the Power button while the brake is applied.

The Prius is highly economical for several reasons:

The efficiency of any gasoline engine is not constant, but depends on the power. Thanks to the ability to both add power due to the electric motor, and spend part of the power on charging the battery, as well as (at low speeds) turn off the gas engine altogether and drive only using electricity, it is possible to optimize the operation of the engine.

During stops in traffic jams, in front of traffic lights, etc., the engine is turned off. For other cars, it works on Idling consuming gasoline. In long traffic jams, the life support system (headlights, on-board computer, audio system, brake and steering boosters) “eat up” the battery charge and the engine starts to recharge the VVB, but it is still much more economical than “turning” a 2-liter engine (the approximate equivalent of a power plant Prius).

The Atkinson engine is economical on its own. Its low power is a bearable disadvantage, since the additional power can be provided by the electric motor.

When braking and braking (for example, on steep descent) energy is stored in the battery thanks to regenerative braking.

Low aerodynamic drag reduces fuel consumption, especially at high speeds or in strong headwinds.

Some models are equipped with an EV button to activate EV mode. In this mode, the car can accelerate smoothly (up to 57 km / h) and brake, and on free highways with low elevation differences it can show high efficiency. An additional plus is the ability to drive into a poorly ventilated garage and not be afraid of poisoning exhaust gases... However, in this mode, in the cold season, the possibilities of heating the passenger compartment are limited - all modern cars heat the passenger compartment, taking heat from the cooling system, which, when idle engine cools down in a few tens of minutes.

[edit] Benefits High efficiency, as a result - savings in gasoline costs and the need to call in to refuel less often.

Low level of air pollution. This is partly a consequence of economy (the less fuel is burned, the less harmful emissions), and partly - the shutdown of the engine at stops when gases that are especially harmful to human health enter the atmosphere. Compared to a conventional vehicle, the Prius emits 85% less unburned CnHm and NOx [source unspecified 409 days].

Low noise level, for several reasons:

Engine shuts off during stops

A quieter electric motor works with the gasoline engine, and sometimes instead of it.

Excellent dynamics:

traction motor always delivers maximum torque

lack of a gearbox as such (planetary gear is used)

High level of safety for the driver and passengers, for several reasons:

Two independent braking systems - regenerative and friction

Heavy machine (1240 kg)

High crash test scores for driver and passengers

Electronic ignition key.

[edit] Disadvantages Higher price than conventional vehicles of the same class. In many countries, however, the high price is partially offset by tax incentives. In addition, the difference in prices is partially or completely offset by the savings in gasoline.

There is an opinion that the noiselessness of the car can be dangerous for blind or inattentive pedestrians.

A small number of repair and auto service specialists repairing hybrid vehicles.

In subzero temperatures, the benefits of a hybrid drive can be lost, as the combustion engine almost always runs, generating energy to heat the passenger compartment if it is on.

High dynamics is only achievable at low speeds, since at high speeds the entire load is borne by the low-power internal combustion engine.

[edit] Criticism Some believe that in the future there will be a problem of recycling used batteries, as there is already a problem of their "dirty" production. However, Toyota and Honda are committed to recycling used batteries; Moreover, they not only accept used batteries, but also pay $ 200 for each.

In Top Gear, Jeremy Clarkson criticized the Prius for not being as economical and environmentally friendly as the supply and recycling of all vehicle components, in particular batteries, leaves too much environmental footprint. On the track, the BMW M3 and Toyota Prius made 10 laps at the same time at a speed of 160 km / h. The BMW M3 followed the Toyota Prius. The BMW was more economical with 19.4 mpg gasoline, while the Prius was 17.2 mpg gasoline.

So if you want an economical car, buy a BMW M3? - No ... Do not change the car, change your driving style.

Original text (English) [show]

If you want an economical car, - buy BMW M3? - No ... Don "t change the car, change your driving style.

[edit] Design features When braking, automatically recharges the battery (regenerative braking).

During dynamic acceleration, both engines join forces - Hybrid Synergy Drive.

The on-board computer (32-bit processor) maintains the optimal operating mode of the gasoline engine (Atkinson Cycle) and the optimal battery charge level (Panasonic, NiMH, 8 years warranty).

The start-stop of the gasoline engine is fully automated; dashboard(Drive-by-Wire).

Thanks to their economy and reliability, Toyota hybrid cars are of great interest to the consumer. Smooth ride and stability on the road, it turns out, are not all the advantages of this japanese car... Excellent driving performance the machines are surprisingly combined with economical fuel consumption. The Toyota Prius hybrid is powered by two power sources: electric motor and internal combustion engine(ICE).

Let's try to figure out how, with an increase in power, a car can consume gasoline at the level of a small car. Toyota Prius hybrid vehicle device consists of:

• internal combustion engine (ICE);
• electric motor;
• planetary gearbox (power divider);
• generator;
• inverter;
• battery.

The internal combustion engine and the electric motor can work simultaneously, alternately and complement each other if necessary. In a hybrid device, the drive torque to the wheels can be transmitted directly from the electric motor and the internal combustion engine in varying proportions.

This is done using a planetary gearbox (power divider), which consists of a set of gears. Four of them are attached to gasoline engine, and the outer one - to the electric motor. Another satellite is connected to a generator, which, if necessary, sends energy to an electric motor or charges a battery.

One of the main advantages of the Prius is that, unlike electric vehicles, charging a hybrid vehicle does not require a mains connection. The processor, which controls all the actions of the machine, recharges, if necessary, the battery from the internal combustion engine.

How a hybrid car works

The main task of Toyota engineers was to create an economical car, which on the track would not be inferior to powerful "iron horses", but at the same time would have a low engine consumption. For this, a combination of an internal combustion engine and an electric motor was used. To achieve maximum efficiency, in the Toyota Prius, both power sources can work separately, together and in parallel.

So, the principle of operation of the hybrid Toyota Prius. The engine is started and the vehicle is accelerated using a traction electric motor. It rotates the outer satellite of the planetary gearbox and thus transfers the torque to the wheels. But you won't get very far on a battery. Therefore, as soon as the car picks up speed, the internal combustion engine is involved.

The combined use of an electric motor and an internal combustion engine makes it possible to achieve maximum efficiency(efficiency) of the entire system, since. When the brake is pressed, the internal combustion engine is turned off and the so-called regenerative braking occurs (all the energy from the resistance is converted into electric), in which the electric motor, operating in generator mode, charges the battery.

If the car again needs more power, for example for overtaking, the electric motor is switched on again, the energy of which is quite enough for a sharp acceleration. Hybrid car operating schemes were designed to increase the economy of the car and reduce carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere. With an increase in fuel consumption (by pressing the gas pedal), the control computer sends a signal to the power divider and turns on the electrical source, which allows the internal combustion engine to operate in no load mode.

Toyota is uniquely reliable and flexible because the motion is controlled for the most part by wire, bypassing the use of complex components and assemblies. By the way, in the Toyota Prius hybrid, the generator acts as a starter and helps to "spin" the internal combustion engine up to the required 1000 rpm.

Engine operating mode

• Start. Moving with electric traction only.
• Driving at a constant speed. In this case, torque is transmitted to the generator and wheels.
• The generator, if necessary, recharges the battery and transfers energy to the electric motor. In this case, the summation of the torques of both traction units takes place.
• Forced mode. The electric motor, receiving additional power from the generator, increases the power of the gasoline engine.
• Braking. The hybrid brakes mostly with an electric motor. However, when the pedal is pressed firmly, the hydraulic components are activated and braking occurs in the usual way.

Engine (ICE)

Toyota hybrid engine type - Hybrid Synergy Drive (hybrid synergic drive), which allows you to combine two power sources: an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. Let's find out which fuel engines installed on the Prius.

In the mid 50s of the last century, an engineer Ralph Miller suggested to improve the idea James Atkinson ... The essence of the idea was expressed in the increase ICE efficiency by shortening the compression stroke. It is this principle, which is now often referred to as the Miller / Atkinson cycle, that is used in hybrid engines Toyota.

So, Toyota Prius hybrid, how the engine of this car works. Unlike other ICE models, the compression process in the cylinder does not begin at the moment the piston begins to move upward, but somewhat later. Therefore, before closing the intake valves, part of the mixture of fuel and air flows back into the intake manifold, which makes it possible to increase the time in which the energy of the expansion gas pressure is used. All this leads to a significant increase in Engine efficiency, an increase in the efficiency of the unit, and also increases the torque.

Engine characteristics:

• Volume - 1794 cc
• Power (hp / kW / rpm) - 97/73/5200.
• Torque (Nm / rpm) - 142/4000.
• Fuel supply - injector.
• Fuel - gasoline AI 95, AI - 92.

Consumption of Toyota Prius hybrid per 100 km in the urban cycle is 3.9 liters, on the highway - 3.7 liters.

Toyota electric motor

The Hybrid Synergic Drive is designed to use traction motor. Power electric motor Toyota Prius - 56 kW, 162 Nm. This unit ensures the movement of the car from the start to a constant speed set, turns on when the car goes to overtake and participates in braking. The entire Toyota Prius system is thought out to the smallest detail. The hybrid vehicle is charged while driving, from the internal combustion engine through the control generator.

Accumulator battery

The hybrid is equipped with two batteries (main high voltage and auxiliary), both are located in the trunk of the car. The main device of the car battery is made of a nickel-metal-hydride alloy and has a capacity of 6.5 A / h, voltage 201.6 V. This unit has its own cooling system. Inside the high-voltage battery there is a controller that controls the charging process of each cell (block) of 168 cells in total.

Battery consumption and recovery is controlled by the vehicle's control processor. Accumulator battery Toyota Prius does not require recharging from the electrical network, this process is carried out while driving and braking (for the most part) the vehicle.
Auxiliary battery: 12 V (35 A / h, 45 A / h, 51 A / h).

Conclusion

Despite enough high cost Hybrid cars are gaining more and more interest from buyers. Compared to other hybrid vehicles, the Toyota Prius does indeed consume significantly less fuel and has a low carbon footprint.