Dana Unveils Hybrid Drivetrain Technology at Intermat

April 24, 2009
Dana Holding Corp. last week introduced a new hybrid drivetrain technology specifically engineered for off-highway vehicles at the Intermat trade show in Paris.

Dana Holding Corp. last week introduced a new hybrid drivetrain technology specifically engineered for off-highway vehicles at the Intermat trade show in Paris.

A concept transmission in the evaluation phase, the Spicer TE-15HX is an electric parallel hybrid that features a dual-power-path transmission control system. This system continuously monitors operating conditions and selects the proper combination of diesel and electric power to optimize productivity while reducing fuel consumption, emissions, noise and engine idling.

“Off-highway vehicles are the next frontier for hybrid technology, especially with the looming deadline for meeting Tier 4 emissions standards,” said Pietro Franzosi, vice president of sales and marketing for the Dana Off-Highway Products Group. “Purchasers of off-highway equipment will not sacrifice power and productivity for hybrid technology, which is why Dana has engineered the TE-15HX transmission to provide hybrid advantages at vehicle start-up, acceleration, and idling while maintaining the output customers have always expected from a Spicer transmission.”

Whenever possible, the TE-15HX control system disengages the diesel engine and supplies power generated by super capacitors for inching and other vehicle operations that require low energy consumption. It also provides power for lights, climate control systems and other electrical accessories.

For light loads, the diesel engine works alone to power the vehicle while the electric device serves as a generator to efficiently charge the super capacitors for later use. Vehicle braking is also an important source of regenerative energy for recharging the capacitors.

When additional tractive effort is required, the controller directs the electric device to function as a motor and provide a second source of power for added torque boost and faster take-off.

Targeted for use on material handling vehicles, the electric parallel hybrid TE-15HX transmission capitalizes on the flexible modular design of the popular Spicer TE-15 electronically modulated transmission to coordinate the operation of the diesel engine and electric device.

The fully electronically modulated TE-15HX transmission and accompanying control modules will enable OEMs to equip their vehicles with optional safety inhibits, diagnostics, system monitoring, load- and speed-compensated automatic shifting, shift overlap control, single pedal drive, and automatic throttle up. These features will improve ease of use and enable safer and faster vehicle operation, especially in confined areas where large loads need to be maneuvered carefully.

Dana is evaluating three-speed and four-speed versions of the TE-15HX transmission in long-drop and short-drop configurations with an estimated rating of 147 to 235 horsepower.

The Dana Off-Highway Products Group includes research and development, manufacturing, and assembly operations in Belgium, Brazil, China, Hungary, India, Italy, Mexico, United Kingdom, and the United States. It designs, manufactures, assembles, and markets Spicer axles and transaxles, driveshafts and end-fittings, transmissions, torque converters, electronic controls and brakes. The group also provides genuine replacement parts and service.

The group serves more than 1,000 vehicle assembly and manufacturing facilities in 30 countries. The Spicer transmission products and genuine service parts have application in construction, agriculture, forestry, underground mining, material handling, outdoor power, leisure/utility vehicles and industrial equipment. For more information, visit www.dana.com/offhighway.

Based in Toledo, Ohio, Dana is a leader in the supply of axles; driveshafts; and structural, sealing, and thermal-management products; as well as genuine service parts.