Hybra-Drive.com

Lad Strayer / Associated Press

Carl E. Davis, who works for Hybra-Drive Systems, adjusts a prototype engine that is using a hydraulic power train system.

Company in Deerfield develops technology it claims is more efficient than electric hybrids.

DEERFIELD -- James O'Brien, owner of O'Brien Engineered Products Inc. and most recently Hybra-Drive Systems, runs his business out of a modest facility in Deerfield .

What he does in that facility, however, is attracting the attention of onlookers not only in Michigan but from around the world, from Canada to Taiwan .

During the past three years, O'Brien has developed a new form of hybrid technology, gained the backing of several investors and tested the product on a vehicle.

Recently, O'Brien and his team of employees put together a small hydraulic-hybrid powertrain system in the back of an old Volkswagen Beetle to test the technology. After starting a lawnmower engine and letting it run for about a minute, the engine was turned off, allowing the hydraulic system to run the vehicle on stored power.

Hybra-Drive Systems, a product development firm, has developed a full hydraulic-hybrid system and is rushing to install it in a delivery truck belonging to Arrow Uniform. Working with Arrow and Kettering University in Flint , known for vehicle engineering expertise, the business plans to have its first hybrid vehicle operating by the end of the year, O'Brien said.

Taylor-based Arrow develops and supplies work wear and image apparel programs to more than 15,000 Midwest businesses, and has signed up as O'Brien's first official customer.

The company even donated one of its vans for O'Brien to use as a concept vehicle.

Eventually, the company would like the hydraulic-hybrid powertrain system placed in all its fleet vehicles, O'Brien said.

"This new powertrain is more efficient than electric hybrid powertrains being used in such cars as Toyota Prius and Ford Escape," O'Brien said.

Hybra-Drive hopes to have at least 10 vehicles with the new system in place by spring of 2006, O'Brien said.

"This design has high potential. ... It is a simple design and will help keep the cost low," wrote Dr. Ram Chandran, associate professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Kettering . Chandran wrote a letter reviewing the system after O'Brien presented him with it.

"I believe it has a high potential for success and the design is unique," Chandran wrote.

The powertrain system uses a hydraulic energy management and drive system, making it more efficient than batteries used in electric hybrids, he said.

In addition, the system captures and stores a large portion of energy normally lost in braking.

It also uses the stored energy to propel the vehicle at the next acceleration. At times, the engine can be shut off completely.

"It enables the engine to operate more efficiently at all times," O'Brien said. "It saves the life of the engine."

The technology has the potential to be used in boats and stamping equipment as well as vehicles, he said.

O'Brien predicts vehicles that will have his system in place will achieve a 65 percent to 75 percent improvement in fuel economy. Most vehicles are expected to reach around 50 miles per gallon, he said.

"Once you have the energy, you don't lose it," O'Brien said. "This reduces the burden on the engine."

Developing new systems such as this one is what motivates the inventor, he said.

"Companies want to be innovators and provide something exciting and new," O'Brien said.