New MAHLE Hybrid Vehicle Technologies to be presented at IMechE Conference

MAHLE Powertrain will present its joined-up approach to technology development, which enables the evolution of highly efficient hybrid powertrain modules, at the IMechE conference at Fazeley Studios, Birmingham, on December 11-12.

Two papers will explain the concept and benefits of MAHLE Jet Ignition (MJI) and the Modular Hybrid Powertrain (MHP), which will make its UK debut, at the Internal Combustion Engines and Powertrain Systems for Future Transport event. MAHLE's solution provides a highly modular, off the shelf powertrain option that is able to reduce cost and development time for vehicle manufacturers by moving away from traditional, dedicated powertrain development processes.

“MHP could provide a vital time and performance advantage for manufacturers seeking to harness the CO₂ reduction of electrified powertrain within a contracted development time-frame,” explained Mike Bassett, MAHLE Powertrain Chief Engineer, Research, who will be giving the presentation on MMHP. “The EU has introduced a legislative target to lower vehicle manufacturer fleet CO₂ emissions to just 59.4 g/km by 2030, which will require considerable powertrain development in order to effectively incorporate emerging technologies into future designs in time. We believe that the internal combustion engine still has a vital role to play in enabling the industry to meet these stringent targets.”

MHP is a fully integrated hybrid drive system that incorporates an efficient 2- or 3-cylinder, turbocharged gasoline engine, which utilises MJI as a method of optimising efficiency. It can be tailored to meet the specific requirements of manufacturers, for a wide range of vehicle types, by enabling the unit to be readily reconfigured, whilst maintaining maximum component commonality. This system level approach helps to control costs and avoid unnecessary investment of time and resources, streamlining the whole development process.

MJI, which will be presented by Hugh Blaxill, MAHLE Powertrain US General Manager, has been in development at MAHLE for over 10 years. In passive form, as it is utilised within MHP, MJI comprises a small pre-chamber, containing the spark-plug. Ignition within the pre-chamber initiates the discharge of fast-moving, super-heated jets through a perforated nozzle. This technique provides multiple ignition sites within the main combustion chamber, enabling highly stable combustion and knock-resistant combustion, enabling a high compression ratio to be used for increased efficiency.

“MHP provides cost, weight and packaging advantages over traditional hybrid technologies,” continued Bassett. “MAHLE Powertrain testing has demonstrated in excess of a 10% increase in engine efficiency over SI baseline using MJI technology, which makes a significant contribution to the overall effectiveness of MHP as an emissions-reducing, fully scalable solution for a diverse range of vehicles, from B-segment cars to J-segment SUVs.

To complement the presentations, MAHLE Powertrain will provide static demonstrations of the technologies at the Birmingham event.