Kinetic Energy Recovery System [KERS]

FEAT, Annamalai University

Abstract :
KERS is an energy saving mechanism/system fitted to the engines to convert some of the waste energy produced during braking into more useful form of energy. The system stores the energy produced under braking in a reservoir and then releases the stored energy under acceleration.

What is KERS ?
Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems or KERS works on the basic principle of physics that states, Energy cannot be created or destroyed, but it can be endlessly converted. When a car is being driven it has kinetic energy and the same energy is converted into heat energy on braking. It is the rotational force of the car that comes to stop in case of braking and at that time some portion of the energy is also wasted. With the introduction of KERS system the same unused energy is stored in the car and when the driver presses the accelerator the stored energy again gets converted to kinetic energy

THEORY:
Kinetic storages, also known as Flywheel Energy Storages (FES), are used in many technical fields. While using this technical approach, inertial mass is accelerating to a very high rotational speed and maintaining the energy in the system as rotational energy. The energy is converted back by slowing down the flywheel. Available performance comes from moment of inertia effect and operating rotational speed.

TYPES:
Flywheel mass is either mechanically driven by CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) gear unit or electrically driven via electric motor / generator unit, hence can be classified as: Mechanical KERS Electro-mechanical KERS

Electro-mechanical KERS:
In comparison with other conventional ways of storing electricity (batteries and capacitors), electric FES systems combined with innovative concept offer essential advantages. Especially considering full-cycle lifetime, operating temperature range and steady voltage and power level, which is independent of load, temperature and state of charge. It consists of : Electric Propulsion Motor /Generator: Normally, electric motors are turned by passing an electric current through it. However, if some outside force is used to turn the electric motors, it functions as a generator and produces electricity. This makes it possible to employ the rotational force of the driving axle to turn the electric motors, thus regenerating electric energy for storage (in the battery) and simultaneously slowing the car with the regenerative resistance of the electric motors.

Power Electronics Inverter:

liquid cooled Inverter, is an electrical or electromechanical device that reversely converts direct current DC - from flywheel, to alternating current AC - to MGU.

The Quad Flywheel Storage: It refers to of 4 subunits of Quad FES, which consists of water-cooled housing and heat sink with contact surface for control electronics. It works as reluctance motor in contrast to common mechanical flywheel.

System Control System communication is provided via CAN interface (ControllerArea Network).

 Mechanical Kers :
A mechanical KERS recovers, stores and then returns energy that is otherwise lost under deceleration. As the vehicle slows, energy is recovered from the driveline through the CVT,stored in the flywheel & subsequently released back into the driveline, again through the CVT. The flywheel-based KERS system is highly efficient, with more than 70% of the recovered energy being returned to the vehicles driven wheels. The system can provide twice the efficiency of many electric hybrid systems due to the energy being recovered, stored and reapplied in the same mechanical state'.

Typical KERS CVT configuration:

This system is yet to pass the production line. Three of the Mechanical Majors FLYBRID SYSTEM ,XTRAC, TOROTRAK are in collaboration to make it commercialize

Real time working :

Regenerative braking - charge mode Car is decelerating during recuperative charge mode.

Electric motor works as generator and sending energy to flywheel storage.

Boost acceleration - discharge mode Car is accelerating during boost discharge mode.

Comparative chart - Operating temperature range (at appr. 80% Performance)

Comparative chart in terms of Voltage stability (full cycle)

Conclusion :

In comparison with other battery storage technologies, KERS offers: Cycle durability 90% efficiency of flywheel (including power electronics) in both directions during KERS reference duty cycle. Extensive operating temperature range. Steady voltage and power level which is independent of load, temperature and state of charge. High efficiency at whole working speed range. No chemistry included, thus no environmental pollution and great recycling capability..

Thanks to all of You