How a Hybrid Works
An example hybrid engine.Copyright 2008 Hatsukari715, Wikimedia Commons http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Toyota_1NZ-FXE_Engine_01.JPG
Students investigate different forms of hybrid engines as well as briefly conclude a look at the different forms of potential energy, which concludes the Research and Revise step of the legacy cycle. Students are introduced to basic circuit schematics and apply their understanding of the difference between series and parallel circuits to current research on hybrid cars.
Some engineers apply their understanding of circuits to research on hybrid car technology. As an alternative to the cost and carbon emissions of gasoline engines, hybrid car technology is an intensive area of research for electrical, mechanical, chemical and computer engineers. Circuit schematics are an important communication tool for all types of engineers.
After this lesson, students should be able to:
- Explain how differing forms of potential energy are translated into kinetic energy.
- Explain the difference between parallel and series hybrid engines.