Welcome. This page will detail the progress and engineering
decision of the HyDoR (Hybrids Done Right) project in the
SCE (Systems and Controls Engineering) Laboratory at the
University of Luxembourg.
While hybrid technology is certainly the technology of the
future, in spite of all the hype, promises, and potential,
it's currently far from living up to its promise. Why?
Because rather than dramatically increasing fuel economy,
manufacturers are instead increasing power and
acceleration! So while the family sedan gets the same
mileage as before, it can hit a zero-to-sixty time that
would have made a 1950s dragster envious. Did I mention
that it's more expensive, too?
Do we need this? Far from it. What we need is sensible
transportation for the masses, one that costs a pittance
and performs acceptably well. What's well enough? Well,
130km/hr sustained seems a little unusual for cars, believe
it or not. No, most people just get on the interstate and
roll along at speed for 5-10 minutes. After that, back down
to a stately 90km/hr. So really, we just need a vehicle
that has enough power to sustain 90km/hr all day long
(about 10hp is all) with some additional boost for short
stints on the highway.
Do we need Bose audio systems? No. What about heated seats
with leather dashboards? Not that either? Do we need cars
that cost $20,000? Not on your life. There are many who
think that a small, safe, efficient car can be built for
around $5,000. Renault obviously believes this, as they're
selling the Renault Logan for 5,000 euro in Europe. It's a
nice car (I've driven it), gets decent mileage, is
moderately sized (read "compact" in America, "mid-size" in
Europe) and saves you lots and lots of money.
And to those who point out that this car won't do for long
distance driving, I say, "You're absolutely right". I say,
take the money you saved on buying a simple car that has
simple needs and use it to rent a car for long trips. Why
not? It's probably more comfortable than what you would
otherwise have, if it breaks down, you're covered, and if
you use your platinum credit card to rent it you have full
liability.
But I digress... Peruse these pages as you like in order to
discover a bit more about building and operating your very
own hybrid. My own journey has already begun-- with a 1985
Suzuki GSX 1100 E that will soon have a small, 2.5kg, LKR-type motor that can
turn out an astonishing 15hp.