Energy recovery - example applications

Motorsport

A KERS CVT using Torotrak’s technology is a key constituent of the F1 KERS designed and developed by Flybrid Systems LLP. Weighing just 20kg complete, this mechanical hybrid system is rated at 60kW.

Flybrid Systems' KERS incorporating Torotrak's CVT technology

Automotive

Torotrak is a key partner in a consortium, partially supported by the UK Government’s Technology Strategy Board, developing a KERS application based around a KERS CVT for Jaguar Land Rover. The system promises significant fuel economy and CO₂ benefits in a compact and low cost package. The company is also involved in a second, part-Government funded project run by Ricardo, aimed at developing a mechanical hybrid for mainstream automotive as well as off-highway applications.

Commercial vehicles / industrial vehicles

Forklift trucks, delivery vans, refuse trucks and other vehicles with a relatively frequent stop-start journey profile can derive significant fuel economy benefits from KERS. Similarly, industrial vehicle applications that have frequent high variability of engine power demand can benefit from ‘power profile smoothing’ and possible engine downsizing with the use of a KERS CVT and flywheel energy storage system.

Public transport (buses/trains)

Flywheel based mechanical hybrids are ideally suited to buses and other modes of public transport which frequently stop and start during their journeys. By applying a KERS CVT and flywheel system to vehicle’s driveline through the existing and previously unused power take-off (PTO) facility (incorporated in many standard transmissions), potential fuel savings of 30% can be realised, and CO₂ emissions significantly reduced. Such mechanical hybrids can be fitted as original equipment or retrofitted to existing vehicles at modest cost.

Torotrak is currently the lead participant in a collaborative project, known as Flybus, part-funded by the UK Government’s Technology Strategy Board, focused on the application of a flywheel based mechanical hybrid to a passenger bus.

Ricardo's 'kinergy' flywheel energy storage system