Can Regenerative Brakes Improve Efficiency on Non-Electric Vehicles?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the application of regenerative brake technology in non-electric vehicles, exploring its efficiency and potential benefits. Participants examine various implementations and the effectiveness of regenerative braking systems in different vehicle types, including hybrids and conventional vehicles.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants inquire about the availability of regenerative brake technology in vehicles other than electric cars and bikes, seeking information on maximum efficiency achieved.
  • One participant mentions the use of KERS in Formula 1, noting that it is limited by regulations and primarily designed for short bursts of energy recovery.
  • Another participant discusses Mazda's i-Eloop system, which utilizes capacitors for regenerative braking, claiming a modest increase in fuel economy of about 5%.
  • There is a question regarding the definition of "efficiency" in the context of regenerative braking, with a suggestion to consider kinetic energy and fuel consumption related to vehicle speed.
  • One participant states that regenerative braking is implemented in hybrid vehicles like the Toyota Prius, contributing to improved fuel economy.
  • A participant clarifies that efficiency refers to the ratio of energy recovered to energy lost during braking and asks about recovery technologies in conventional vehicles.
  • It is noted that driver behavior may contribute significantly to energy losses, potentially overshadowing the technology's impact.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying views on the efficiency and application of regenerative braking technology, with no consensus reached on its effectiveness in non-electric vehicles or the extent of energy recovery possible.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the importance of driving conditions, such as frequent stops in urban environments, in determining the effectiveness of regenerative braking systems. There are also discussions about the limitations of current technologies and the definitions of efficiency in this context.

anubodh
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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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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.
 
Last edited:
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).
 
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.
 
By efficiency i mean energy lost to energy recovered.
And is there any technology to recover it in conventional vehicles.
 
The driver is responsible for more losses than the technology.
 

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