Mazda has announced a brand new regenerative braking system. The system uses the energy from braking to power the car's electrical functions. The machine has been labeled I ELOOP, which is a play on the phrase "intelligent energy loop." The device is intended to make an internal combustion car operate as almost as possible like a hybrid vehicle.
Converts kinetic energy to electricity
Generally kinetic energy is lost in the brakes and heat but is converted into electricity with this system. The electricity is then sent to storage through an Electric Double layer Capacitor.
Halting when unnecessary
When the vehicle comes to a complete stop, the Mazda-branded "i-stop" system automatically shuts the motor off, conserving gas. The electricity stored in the super-capacitor is then used to run auxiliary functions such as the sound system, lights, heating, and ac. The motor then automatically restarts when the accelerator is depressed.
How much does it save?
This system is good for stop-and-go city driving. That is where it will be probably the most useful. There was a Mazda Motors press release that came out. It said:
"In real-world driving conditions with frequent acceleration and braking, 'i-ELOOP' improves fuel economy by approximately 10 percent."
Reasons to keep away from it
"Car and Driver" points out that an argument against the machine could possibly be that super-capacitors can only store electricity for a short time, and also discharge that power very quickly. The super-capacitor only takes seconds to charge though, according to the article. You'll probably never have to replace the super-capacitors since they last for a long time. This is certainly an advantage. Batteries do not do it.
Following BMW
The machine is similar to the BMW EfficientDynamics system in that it stores power generated while braking. However, the BMW uses a more costly glass-mat battery instead of the capacitor.
Available in 2012
As reported by Mazda Motors, it will not be long before you are able to get the system. It should start appearing next year in new cars.
Converts kinetic energy to electricity
Generally kinetic energy is lost in the brakes and heat but is converted into electricity with this system. The electricity is then sent to storage through an Electric Double layer Capacitor.
Halting when unnecessary
When the vehicle comes to a complete stop, the Mazda-branded "i-stop" system automatically shuts the motor off, conserving gas. The electricity stored in the super-capacitor is then used to run auxiliary functions such as the sound system, lights, heating, and ac. The motor then automatically restarts when the accelerator is depressed.
How much does it save?
This system is good for stop-and-go city driving. That is where it will be probably the most useful. There was a Mazda Motors press release that came out. It said:
"In real-world driving conditions with frequent acceleration and braking, 'i-ELOOP' improves fuel economy by approximately 10 percent."
Reasons to keep away from it
"Car and Driver" points out that an argument against the machine could possibly be that super-capacitors can only store electricity for a short time, and also discharge that power very quickly. The super-capacitor only takes seconds to charge though, according to the article. You'll probably never have to replace the super-capacitors since they last for a long time. This is certainly an advantage. Batteries do not do it.
Following BMW
The machine is similar to the BMW EfficientDynamics system in that it stores power generated while braking. However, the BMW uses a more costly glass-mat battery instead of the capacitor.
Available in 2012
As reported by Mazda Motors, it will not be long before you are able to get the system. It should start appearing next year in new cars.
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