A Purely Mechanical Energy Storing Concept for Hybrid Vehicles

The paper contains the design and simulation of a purely mechanical system for storing energy during vehicle deceleration, which can be utilized during subsequent acceleration (regenerative braking). A continuously variable transmission (CVT) regulates the energy transfer, energy storage is accomplished by means of a spiral spring and additional use of a planetary transmission. The transmission ratio of the CVT is adapted by a combined feed-forward and feed-back control. A computer simulation for a vehicle with an overall mass of 1500kg, and an energy storage capacity of 30kJ was performed for different driving cycles. In a typical urban stop and go situation the proposed device will save up to 0.72kg fuel per 100km and the overall efficiency analysis together with simple design, easy recycling, and long life expectance, showed a clear advantage over other hybrid concepts for frequent stops and accelerations.