Hybrid VS pure fuel: Comparison of the role of planetary carrier in power distribution system

The planet carrier is a key component of the planetary gear transmission, and the planetary gear shaft or bearing is installed on the planet carrier. It carries and transmits the torque from the planetary gear and is the core support structure of the entire transmission. The planet carrier needs to bear the huge load from the planetary gear and transfer these loads to the output shaft to realize the transmission of power. Through the meshing of the planetary gear with the inner ring gear, sun gear and other components, the planet carrier transfers the power from the input shaft to the output shaft to realize the functions of deceleration, acceleration or speed change.

Common materials for planet carriers include steel, aluminum alloy, etc. The manufacturing process of the planet carrier includes casting, forging, welding and other methods. 

In the components such as automobile transmissions and differentials, the planet carrier, as a core transmission component, undertakes the important task of transmitting power and distributing loads.

Hybrid vehicles and pure fuel vehicles are the two mainstream technical paths, each showing different technical characteristics and market advantages. Planetary carriers, as key components in the power distribution system, play completely different roles in these two power systems.

Energy conversion

Pure fuel vehicles:

In pure fuel vehicles, the planetary carrier is mainly used as part of the transmission, and transmits the power generated by the engine to the wheels through its complex gear structure. In this process, the planetary carrier mainly plays the role of power transmission and speed change, and does not directly participate in energy conversion. The mechanical energy generated by the engine directly drives the planetary carrier and the entire transmission system, and is ultimately converted into the driving force of the vehicle.

Hybrid vehicles:

Hybrid vehicles are different. Their power systems integrate multiple power sources such as electric motors, engines, and battery packs. In hybrid systems, planetary carriers often work closely with components such as electric motors and generators to form a complex power distribution structure. Here, the planetary carrier not only undertakes the task of power transmission, but also realizes the power coupling and decoupling between the engine and the electric motor, as well as the two-way flow of energy through its special mechanical design. In scenarios such as braking energy recovery and acceleration assistance, the planetary carrier can efficiently manage the conversion and distribution of energy and improve the overall efficiency of the system.

Efficiency improvement

Pure fuel vehicles:

Although the planetary carrier of pure fuel vehicles performs well in speed change and power transmission, it is limited in efficiency improvement because it relies only on the single power source of the engine. Especially under low-speed or high-load conditions, the energy efficiency of the engine is often difficult to reach the optimal state, which affects the efficiency of the planetary carrier and the entire transmission system.

Hybrid vehicles:

Hybrid vehicles have achieved diversified power sources by introducing electric motors and battery packs. The application of planetary carriers in hybrid systems allows the engine to operate more in its high-efficiency range, while the electric motor provides additional power support when needed. This power diversion strategy significantly improves the overall efficiency of the system, especially under low-load conditions such as urban congestion, hybrid vehicles can make full use of the high efficiency characteristics of electric motors to reduce energy consumption and emissions.

Driving experience

Pure fuel vehicles:

The driving experience of pure fuel vehicles mainly depends on the performance of the engine and the matching degree of the transmission system. As an important part of the transmission system, the performance of the planetary carrier directly affects the vehicle's acceleration performance, gear shifting smoothness and fuel economy. However, since the power source of pure fuel vehicles is relatively single, there may be certain limitations in the driving experience, such as the sense of frustration during acceleration and the impact during gear shifting.

Hybrid vehicles:

Hybrid vehicles achieve seamless switching and smooth transition of power output through the coordinated work of planetary carriers, motors, generators and other components. This design not only improves the vehicle's acceleration performance and fuel economy, but also brings a more comfortable and quiet driving experience. In hybrid mode, the engine and motor can automatically adjust their working state according to driving needs and working conditions, providing drivers with a more flexible and intelligent driving experience.