I am designing a car for the Shell Eco-Marathon competition so low weight and efficiency are required. The car travels at an average speed of 15mph and only burns the engine for a fraction of a lap - the engine is off during the rest of the lap to improve fuel economy. I am concerned about the losses associated with the centrifugal clutch as there will be losses associated with the time it takes for it to reach its engagement speed - would an electromechanical clutch solve this problem? And how are they controlled? thanks
The centrigual clutch should have some more friction losses, because you need a certain rotational speed until it engages. The electromechnical clutch can be engaged at the same speed without losses. In addition you have to consider the weight. I guess that the centrifucal clutch is a bit lighter. I would go for the electrimechanical one.
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