Godfrey, I think you are correct in your description, and it seems
ridiculously complicated that it is done that way. However no one from
Toyota asked me.
Godfrey DiGiorgi wrote:
>On Jul 26, 2006, at 9:26 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
>
>
>
>>Now you are talking about Prius and its "transmission is
>>continuously-variable gearing". No such thing. The "transmission" is
>>an electric motor/generator. There is a second motor/generator
>>attached to a gasoline engine (it should have been diesel for even
>>more
>>efficiency). Power is shunted around between all the components, both
>>electrical power and mechanical power. But ultimately an electric
>>motor is attached to the drive shaft and the continuous nature of
>>it is
>>due to electric motor characteristics, not to any fancy gearing.
>>
>>
>
>Interesting, thank you. I'm still learning how the Prius drive system
>works.
>
>The notion of "continuously variable transmission" and what you
>describe is effectively the same in practical use, isn't it? I agree
>that the nomenclature is fuzzy.
>
>However, I am confused by your description. My understanding is that
>at highway speeds the gas engine is what's driving the wheels, not
>the electric motor, but that the electric motor's output is fed in to
>assist the engine's power output as required. This is indicated on
>the in-dash monitor panel as well. How can this happen if, as you
>way, "ultimately the electric motor is attached to the drive shaft"?
>Wouldn't the output power be limited to the electric motor's 67 hp in
>that case? It certainly doesn't accelerate from 70 to 90mph as if
>that's the case.
>
>I haven't yet found a detailed drawing or photographs of all the
>components in the Prius' drive system to be able to fully understand
>how it works. If you know of any available on line, let me know.
>
>G
>
>
>
>
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