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Definition: The Automixte system, also known as the Pieper system, is a method used in gasoline-electric vehicles where a battery and generator operate in parallel to manage the vehicle’s power needs. The battery provides current during periods of high demand, such as starting and heavy loads, while the generator charges the battery during lighter load periods.
Key Components
- Battery:
- Function: Supplies electrical current during high-demand phases, such as vehicle starting and during heavy acceleration or load conditions.
- Operation: Provides power to the electric motor or other electrical systems when the generator alone cannot meet the demand.
- Generator:
- Function: Charges the battery during low-demand periods and supplies power to the vehicle’s systems when the load is light.
- Operation: Generates electrical power and maintains the charge of the battery.
Operation
- Starting:
- Battery Role: Provides the necessary current to start the vehicle and power the electric motor or other systems.
- Heavy Load:
- Battery Role: Assists in powering the vehicle under heavy load conditions, such as during acceleration or climbing.
- Light Load:
- Generator Role: Operates to recharge the battery and provide power when the vehicle is under light load or at idle.
- Generator Role: Maintains the battery charge by supplying current during periods when the demand on the system is low.
Advantages
- Efficiency:
- Improved Power Management: Balances the load between the battery and generator, optimizing energy use and efficiency.
- Reliability:
- Enhanced Performance: Ensures that the vehicle has adequate power during both high-demand and low-demand conditions.
- Extended Battery Life:
- Balanced Charging: Reduces battery stress by providing consistent charging and discharging cycles.
Applications
- Gasoline-Electric Vehicles:
- Used in vehicles that combine gasoline engines with electric propulsion systems to optimize power delivery and improve fuel efficiency.
- Hybrid Systems:
- May be incorporated into hybrid vehicle designs to manage power distribution between electric and internal combustion engines.
Summary
The Automixte system is a hybrid power management approach that combines a battery and generator to optimize power supply and charging in gasoline-electric vehicles. By providing current during high-demand periods and charging the battery during light-load conditions, it enhances efficiency and reliability, extending battery life and ensuring effective power management.
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