The Swedish automaker Volvo has come up with a solution that is claimed to improve fuel efficiency up to 25%.
[Can't watch the video? Head to Youtube]
It is called the Flywheel KERS which uses the waste energy that is being scrubbed off while braking and converts motive power. We are yet to find out if it is a definitive proposition or not but it sounds promising.
The Flywheel KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) consists of a flywheel mounted on the rear axle. It comes into full effect when driver applies brake. During braking, the futile heat energy spins the flywheel up to 60,000 revs per minute. When the car starts moving again, the flywheel rotation is transferred to the rear wheels and onto the road with a cleverly designed transmission.
The smaller, faster and lighter flywheel means that it has to be contained in a very robust structure in case of failure. When the brakes are applied, the engine of the car shuts off, saving fuel.
This would come in handy in traffic as the engine no longer runs while standing still. Volvo claims that “the flywheel's stored energy is sufficient to power the car for short periods,”. Another interesting speculation is that the S60 test car they used could reach 100kph in 5.5 seconds with a boost in the performance!
[Source: Carscoops.com]
