Energy of the Future
- the future of cars and recycling energy-
Check out our version for mobiles too!
Music
Music
Recycling Energy from Braking.
A large contributer to global warming is waste heat energy, of which a large percentage is created from the braking of cars. When a vehicle is moving, electrical energy is converted to mechanical energy which is converted to kinetic energy. The kinetic energy is what propells the vehicle along. When the vehicle brakes however, this kinetic energy is lost mainly as heat energy. This therefore created a problem for which engineers needed to create a solution.
Currently there are two solutions which have been created; 'KERS' or 'kinetic energy recovery system' which is mainly used in formula 1 racing, and a 'regenerative braking system' which is used mainly in hybrids, fully electric cars and electric bicycles.
The KERS used in formula 1 was first introduced in 2009, however, a new recovery system was introduced in 2014. The new version has two systems:
-'Motor Generator Unit - kinetic', which converts kinetic energy from braking into electrical energy. This is opposed to it being lost as heat energy, as well as acting as a motor when accelerating.
-'Motor Generator Unit - heat', which takes heat energy from the exhaust gases and converts it into electrical energy to power the drive train or to be stored in the energy store.
The drive train of Formula 1 vehicles (which are rear wheel drive) consists of the engine, a transmission, two U-joints, a driveshaft and a differential.
The MGU-K is limited to recovering 2MJ of energy per lap, however the MGU-H is unlimited as to how much energy it can recover and as a result up to 4MJ of energy can be returned per lap to the drive train which gives the driver an additional 160 brake horsepower for 33 seconds per lap. This, of course, is an incentive for the racing team to use a KERS, and are benefiting both the planet and their performance by doing so.
Regenerative Braking
Traditionally the friction between the brakepads and the brakerotors, and the wheels and the road, turns the kinetic energy into heat energy.
However, engineers have come up with a new way to prevent this excess loss of heat energy : 'the regenerative braking system'.
The regenerative braking system works by the motor powering the vehicle going into reverse, and therefore slowing the wheels. While the motor runs in reverse, it becomes a generator and this generator charges the batteries. This is most effective in 'stop-and-go' situations for example in busy cities with frequent sets of traffic lights.
While the motor travels forwards, the electrical energy is converted into mechanical energy and then kinetic energy as it propels the vehicle.
When the motor changes into its reverse mode, the reverse of the above process happens, the mechanical energy is converted into electrical energy to recharge the battery.
Using regenerative braking means that more power can be sent to the wheels, which is an incentive for companies to use it as it makes their product appear more superior as well as more eco-friendly.
