The mechanical hybrid vehicle: An investigation of a flywheel-based vehicular regenerative energy capture system

Abstract

The mechanical hybrid vehicle: an investigation of a flywheel-based vehicular regenerative energy capture system. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part D: Journal of Automobile Engineering, 222(11), pp. 2087-2101. doi: 10.1243 This is the accepted version of the paper.This version of the publication may differ from the final published version. Abstract: Capturing braking energy by regeneration into an on board energy storage unit, offers the potential to reduce significantly the fuel consumption of vehicles. A common technique is to generate electricity in the motors of a hybrid electric vehicle when braking, and use this to charge an on board electrochemical battery. However, such batteries are costly, bulky and generally not amenable to fast charging as this affects battery life and capacity. In order to overcome these problems, a mechanical energy storage system capable of accepting and delivering surges of power is proposed and investigated. A scale physical model of the system, based around a flywheel, a planetary gear set and a brake, was built and operated in a laboratory. Tests showed that the proposed system could be used to store and provide braking energy between a flywheel and a vehicle, the latter emulated by an air-drag dynamometer. This validated the operating principle of the system and its computational model. Further, a computational analysis of a full size vehicle incorporating the mechanical energy storage system was conducted. The results showed that the utilisation of this system in a vehicle, when compared to a conventional vehicle, led to reductions in emissions and fuel consumption. PermanentKeywords: regenerative braking, braking energy, hybrid vehicle, planetary gear set, epicyclic, flywheel.

Optimisation of flywheel energy storage systems with geared transmission for hybrid vehicles

“…The current research describes two geared transmission architectures that achieve the continuous variation in speed ratio required for flywheel systems. The first is an extension of the brake-controlled planetary gear set (PGS) described by Diego-Ayala et al [32] in which sequential use of multiple PGSs and optimisation of gear ratios achieve improved transmission efficiency. Secondly, a novel power split configuration using one or more PGSs is implemented, with power flow controlled by a conventional discrete ratio gearbox and clutch.…”

Feasibility Analysis and Performance Evaluation of a Novel Power-Split Flywheel Hybrid Vehicle

“…Since a three-degrees-of-freedom (3-DoF) powertrain is essential to perform all hybrid operations, previous studies [10,11] added additional degrees of freedom by simply adding a transmission. The FHV introduced by the Imperial College research team implemented a flywheel transmission using planetary gear systems (PGSs) and brakes, or PGSs and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) [10]. The Flybrid kinetic energy recovery recovery system (KERS), composed of a CVT and a FESS, was implemented on a race car [11].…”

“…Flywheel hybrid vehicle schematic with (a) two-degrees-of-freedom [18], and (b) threedegrees-of-freedom [10].…”

“…To describe the operational principle of the PS-FHV, its structure is analyzed using the lever analogy. The kinematics and dynamics model of the PS-FHV is analyzed and, using the result, its system DoF and [18], and (b) threedegrees-of-freedom [10].…”

Analysis of a Hybrid Mechanical Regenerative Braking System

“…A RBS usually combines one method of energy storage with one method of energy conversion [2]. At present, the electrical storage hybrid vehicles appeal to the consumer market with the environmentfriendly concept and reduction in fuel costs for the end user [3].…”