British automotive consortium showcases Flywheel Hybrid System for Premium Vehicles
21 Sep 2010
A consortium of UK automotive companies has presented a prototype flywheel hybrid that promises fuel savings of up to 20 per cent.
Under test in a Jaguar XF prototype, the flywheel can store up to 60kW (82PS) of energy, which can be used to either boost performance on the move or assist the start-off, saving fuel.
Jaguar is evaluating the flywheel hybrid as an alternative to a battery hybrid ahead of a decision whether to go ahead with either technology.
“This research project explores the potential for more efficient and cost-competitive hybrid drivetrains that improve fuel economy while enhancing standards of vehicle refinement and performance,” says Pete Richings, Chief Engineer at lead partner Jaguar Land Rover.
“We have investigated the base technology, built the prototype and will be testing it in the next few months to see if it lives up to its potential.”
Under the banner FHSPV (Flywheel Hybrid System for Premium Vehicles), the project is majority funded by the Technology Strategy Board.
The composite flywheel is packaged around the rear differential of the test prototype and is driven through a Torotrak/Xtrac CVT gearbox.
Compared to a battery-hybrid system, the flywheel reduces the number of energy conversions on-board the car, promising greater efficiency.
The FHSPV project brings together some of the UK’s most respected names in automotive engineering: Jaguar Land Rover, Flybrid Systems, Ford, engineering consultancies Prodrive and Ricardo, and transmission experts Torotrak and Xtrac.
The flywheel-CVT system uses a flywheel developed by Flybrid Systems. Spinning at speeds of up to 60,000rpm, the flywheel offers a high energy density, making it smaller and easier to package.
The CVT, which manages the flywheel’s speed and the flow of kinetic energy, has been built by motorsport firm Xtrac using Torotrak’s innovative traction drive technology.
Automotive consultancy Prodrive is responsible for the system’s configuration and integration into the vehicle. The company is also developing the system’s sophisticated control software and electronics.
Ricardo is providing independent analysis on the potential for alternative technologies within the system. Ford Motor Company is examining the potential for secondary applications for flywheel-CVT systems.
British automotive consortium showcases Flywheel Hybrid System for Premium Vehicles
21 Sep 2010
A consortium of UK automotive companies has presented a prototype flywheel hybrid that promises fuel savings of up to 20 per cent.
Under test in a Jaguar XF prototype, the flywheel can store up to 60kW (82PS) of energy, which can be used to either boost performance on the move or assist the start-off, saving fuel.
Jaguar is evaluating the flywheel hybrid as an alternative to a battery hybrid ahead of a decision whether to go ahead with either technology.
“This research project explores the potential for more efficient and cost-competitive hybrid drivetrains that improve fuel economy while enhancing standards of vehicle refinement and performance,” says Pete Richings, Chief Engineer at lead partner Jaguar Land Rover.
“We have investigated the base technology, built the prototype and will be testing it in the next few months to see if it lives up to its potential.”
Under the banner FHSPV (Flywheel Hybrid System for Premium Vehicles), the project is majority funded by the Technology Strategy Board.
The composite flywheel is packaged around the rear differential of the test prototype and is driven through a Torotrak/Xtrac CVT gearbox.
Compared to a battery-hybrid system, the flywheel reduces the number of energy conversions on-board the car, promising greater efficiency.
The FHSPV project brings together some of the UK’s most respected names in automotive engineering: Jaguar Land Rover, Flybrid Systems, Ford, engineering consultancies Prodrive and Ricardo, and transmission experts Torotrak and Xtrac.
The flywheel-CVT system uses a flywheel developed by Flybrid Systems. Spinning at speeds of up to 60,000rpm, the flywheel offers a high energy density, making it smaller and easier to package.
The CVT, which manages the flywheel’s speed and the flow of kinetic energy, has been built by motorsport firm Xtrac using Torotrak’s innovative traction drive technology.
Automotive consultancy Prodrive is responsible for the system’s configuration and integration into the vehicle. The company is also developing the system’s sophisticated control software and electronics.
Ricardo is providing independent analysis on the potential for alternative technologies within the system. Ford Motor Company is examining the potential for secondary applications for flywheel-CVT systems.