September 2008
Hybrids, high school physics and the flywheel
Hybrids are changing the way people think about and utilize energy. For engine designers, the challenge is balancing performance with cost and fuel economy. Current hybrid technology combines two power units — one gas and one electric to optimize performance and fuel economy. The challenge for hybrids is finding a more efficient way to utilize energy produced during operation.
At the heart of this equation is the fundamental law of energy taught in high school physics — “You lose energy when you change it from one form to another”. This, and the inefficiency of batteries to absorb energy quickly is pushing designers to experiment with alternative technologies such as the Flywheel to capture, store and utilize more efficiently.
Developed long before batteries, this approach minimizes energy loss by avoiding the conversion of kinetic energy to electrical energy. It instead captures energy created during braking and makes it available for acceleration, without utilizing batteries or other storage devices.
The prize for anyone that can develop a functional vehicle flywheel solution is improved energy efficiency of 60% to 80% over conventional vehicles and a dramatic improvement in fuel economy, at lower cost, without sacrificing acceleration.
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