Engineers showcase prototype flywheel hybrid for Jaguar XF
A group of UK engineers has showcased the first prototype flywheel hybrid system to be included in a Jaguar XF as part of a Technology Strategy Board-funded project.
Flywheel hybrids are thought to improve efficiency by reducing the number of energy conversions on board a vehicle. The system, which was showcased at the Millbrook Low Carbon Vehicle event, is claimed to provide up to 82PS (60kW) of recovered energy and is predicted to demonstrate fuel economy gains of 20 per cent.
Dick Elsy, chief executive of Torotrak, believes that flywheel hybrids are well suited for high-performance vehicles. ‘If you want a vehicle that is fairly quick, then the system is absolutely perfect. It gives all the credentials of a hybrid, saving fuel and energy, but it also gives the potential for a performance boost.’
Most hybrid systems convert kinetic energy into electricity for storage in a battery. However, the flywheel hybrid uses continuously variable transmission (CVT) to transfer energy directly into a compact, high-speed flywheel during braking. When the driver reapplies the accelerator, the CVT transfers the energy back to the wheels.
Register now to continue reading
Thanks for visiting The Engineer. You’ve now reached your monthly limit of news stories. Register for free to unlock unlimited access to all of our news coverage, as well as premium content including opinion, in-depth features and special reports.
Benefits of registering
-
In-depth insights and coverage of key emerging trends
-
Unrestricted access to special reports throughout the year
-
Daily technology news delivered straight to your inbox
Radio wave weapon knocks out drone swarms
Probably. A radio-controlled drone cannot be completely shielded to RF, else you´d lose the ability to control it. The fibre optical cable removes...