Mazda Motors uncovers regenerative braking mechanism

[KriseiE]

A new regenerative braking system has recently been presented by Mazda Motors. The device utilizes kinetic power from braking to power the vehicle's electrical system. The "Intelligent Energy Loop" system is called i-ELOOP for short. It is a unique technology that makes an internal combustion car behaves in a manner comparable to a hybrid. I found this at: New Mazda regenerative braking system to roll out



Only kinetic power is needed



This system converts kinetic energy into electricity. Typically it is just lost in heat. An Electric Double layer Capacitor is used for storage. This is where the electricity is then sent.



Save power with an i-stop system



You can conserve fuel with the “i-stop” program branded by Mazda that shuts off the engine automatically whenever the car stops. The sound system, heating and lights are all part of the auxiliary capabilities. These functions are run off of all the electricity that has been stored. The motor then automatically restarts when the accelerator is depressed.



How much does it conserve?



This system is good for stop-and-go city driving. That is where it will be the most useful. A Mazda Motors press release said:



“In real-world driving conditions with frequent acceleration and braking, ‘i-ELOOP’ improves fuel economy by approximately 10 percent.”



What is wrong with it?



According to “Car and Driver,” the device may not work well for everyone. In fact, it discharges power easily after only holding it for a very short while. However, the same article points out that the super-capacitor can be charged in seconds. The super-capacitors last forever, it seems. You will not need to replace them ever typically. The same isn't true of batteries.



Like EfficientDynamics



This can be a lot like BMW’s EfficientDynamics. It also stores power from the brakes. However, the BMW utilizes a more costly glass-mat battery rather than the capacitor.



Accessible in 2012



The system will start appearing in vehicles as early as next year, as reported by Mazda Motors.



Sources



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Car and Driver

[OliverClozov]

formula 1 teams are the only ones to utilize this properly.

[rrt08]

90% of cars sold in Europe are diesel, we need to get with the program or go Natural Gas, etc, hybrid cars makes no sense.

[OliverClozov]

i have nothing against gasoline. people need to stop buying tahoes if they cant afford the gas,......plain and simple.