Dana Unveils Hybrid Drivetrain Technology for Off-Highway Market

At INTERMAT 2009 today, Dana Holding Corporation introduced new hybrid drivetrain technology specifically engineered for off-highway vehicles.

A concept transmission in the evaluation phase, the Spicer® TE-15HX is an electric parallel hybrid featuring 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 TE-15HX transmission incorporates high-contact-ratio spur gears in conjunction with helical gearing to reduce noise, while an electronic control system provides electronic clutch modulation (ECM), electronically controlled inching (ECI), safety inhibit protection, diagnostics, and compatibility with CAN 2.0B protocols.

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 110 kW to 175 kW (147 to 235 horsepower).

About Dana Off-Highway Products Group
The Dana Off-Highway Products Group includes research and development, manufacturing, and assembly operations in Belgium, Brazil, China, Hungary, India, Italy, Mexico, the 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 Dana Off-Highway Products Group serves more than 1,000 vehicle assembly and manufacturing facilities in 30 countries. It also has two global distribution centers and more than 50 authorized service centers supporting customers in more than 100 countries. Construction, agriculture, forestry, underground mining, material handling, outdoor power, leisure/utility vehicles, and industrial equipment are just some of the markets that demand the quality found in Spicer products and genuine service parts. For more information, visit www.dana.com/offhighway.

About Dana Holding Corporation
Dana is a world leader in the supply of axles; driveshafts; and structural, sealing, and thermal-management products; as well as genuine service parts. The company’s customer base includes virtually every major vehicle manufacturer in the global automotive, commercial vehicle, and off-highway markets. Based in Toledo, Ohio, USA, the company employs approximately 29,000 people in 26 countries and reported 2008 sales of $8.1 billion. For more information, please visit: www.dana.com.

DANA CONTACT:
Rick Honeyager
Director of Product Planning
Dana Off-Highway Products Group
P: +1.704.878.5775
E: rick.honeyager@dana.com

AGENCY CONTACT:
Bob Chase
Public Relations Director
Gelia
P: +1.716.629.3230
E: bchase@gelia.com