Can Regenerative Brakes Improve Efficiency on Non-Electric Vehicles?

In summary: There is a technology called i-Eloop or SkyActive that uses a capacitor and alternator to store the energy generated by the braking system. It is claimed to increase fuel economy by 5%.
  • #1
anubodh
51
0
Is regenerative brake technology available on vehicles other than ecars and ebikes.if so what is the maximum efficiency reached till now on bikes and cars.
 
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  • #2
It's used in Formula 1, (called KERS, Kinetic Energy Recovery System), but it's not really meant to be that efficient. In order to comply with the rules, a computer limits the maximum energy output to 70 hp for a few seconds per lap. The braking takes place at the rear axle, and the energy is saved in capacitors as opposed to batteries, since the storage time is fairly short. I'm not sure how the excess energy beyond what the rules allow per lap is dumped.

Mazda is also using capactors in some of it's "non-hybrid" vehicles for regenerative braking, to increase fuel economy. It also activates when going downhill as speed is moderated by the regenerative braking. It's called i-Eloop or SkyActive. Apparently the recovered energy is only used to drive the electronics in the car (and keeping the battery charged), so basically it's a "smart" capacitor / alternator system. The claim is about a 5% increase in fuel milage, not a lot, but it helps, and it's much cheaper and lighter than a true hybrid.
 
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  • #3
anubodh said:
Is regenerative brake technology available on vehicles other than ecars and ebikes.if so what is the maximum efficiency reached till now on bikes and cars.

What exactly do you mean by "efficiency" here? It is worthwhile to calculate the kinetic energy of your vehicle at a given speed, and then see how much fuel that represents. You will find that the majority of the fuel use goes into overcoming friction; that's why regen braking is most worthwhile for low speed frequent start & stop conditions (ie, city driving).
 
  • #4
anubodh said:
Is regenerative brake technology available on vehicles other than ecars and ebikes.if so what is the maximum efficiency reached till now on bikes and cars.

Regenerative braking is used on the Toyota Prius, and I believe on most other hybrid vehicles. It is one of the reasons that hybrid vehicles have better fuel economy.
 
  • #5
By efficiency i mean energy lost to energy recovered.
And is there any technology to recover it in conventional vehicles.
 
  • #6
The driver is responsible for more losses than the technology.
 

1. What is regenerative brake efficiency?

Regenerative brake efficiency refers to the ability of a vehicle's regenerative braking system to convert kinetic energy into electrical energy and store it for later use. This system is commonly used in electric and hybrid vehicles to increase overall energy efficiency and reduce the need for frequent recharging.

2. How does regenerative braking work?

Regenerative braking works by using the vehicle's electric motor as a generator to convert kinetic energy into electrical energy. When the brakes are applied, the motor operates in reverse, slowing down the vehicle and generating electricity. This electricity is then stored in the vehicle's battery for later use.

3. What factors affect regenerative brake efficiency?

The efficiency of regenerative braking can be affected by various factors such as the speed of the vehicle, the weight of the vehicle, the condition of the battery, and the type of driving (e.g. city vs. highway). Generally, regenerative braking is more efficient at lower speeds and during frequent braking situations.

4. How does regenerative brake efficiency compare to traditional braking methods?

Regenerative braking is typically more efficient than traditional braking methods, as it captures and recycles energy that would otherwise be lost as heat. However, the efficiency of regenerative braking depends on the specific vehicle and driving conditions. In some cases, traditional braking methods may still be more efficient.

5. Are there any drawbacks to regenerative braking?

One potential drawback of regenerative braking is that it may not be as effective at higher speeds, as the vehicle may rely more on traditional braking methods. Additionally, regenerative braking systems can be more complex and expensive to maintain compared to traditional braking systems. However, the overall benefits in terms of energy efficiency and reduced emissions make it a valuable technology in the automotive industry.

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