LC Technology
There are several words you can associate with our LC technology,
but the most important aspect of this system is its potential to
revolutionize
the automotive industry at minimal cost to the producer. The concept of
combining carbon-enhanced
lead-acid batteries with other fuel-efficient and performance-enhancing
features, such as turbo chargers and starter generators, can actually
help to
provide a more efficient and cost-effective, yet still “fun to drive,”
automotive
system. What makes Lead
Carbon Batteries different from conventional VRLAs? The LC Super
Hybrid: Optimizing Engine Technology to Deliver ‘More from Less’
Low Cost. Life
Changing. Lead Carbon.
Quite simply, lead carbon batteries provide better performance in
partial state-of-charge operations, making them optimal for applications
requiring high-rate charging and recharging. In hybrid electric vehicle
operation, the battery has to remain at
partial state-of-charge in order to receive and deliver frequent pulses
of
discharge and recharge current.
Experience has shown that conventional VRLA batteries quickly lose
capacity
under such conditions because of sulfation in the negative plates.
ALABC research has shown that the addition of certain types of
carbon to the negative plate can inhibit this sulfation and thus allow
these
Lead Carbon VRLA batteries to function well in this application.
This technology is currently on display in the new LC Super Hybrid
demonstrator vehicle,
which was commissioned by the ALABC at AVL Schrick in Germany, with
strong
support from automotive technology companies Controlled Power
Technologies
(CPT), Valeo, Provector, and Mubea. Based on a 1.4-liter Volkswagen
Passat, this vehicle
combines a next-generation lead carbon battery with Valeo’s electric
super
charger and CPT's enhanced starter generator. The LC Super Hybrid keeps
CO2 emissions low while generating very high torque, demonstrating that
downsizing a conventional engine in this manner can have a significant
environmental impact without minimizing the driving experience.
The vehicle recently made its international debut at the 82nd Geneva
International Motor Show in March 2012. To view more information, click on the links below:
Official press release (2/29/12)
Technical information
Official photos
Article from Green Car Congress
Article from EV World
Article from Car Scoop