Originally Posted by stascom (Post 12786617)

Also, do 1:1 cars have some form of kinetic energy storage, like a flywheel, for regen braking?

Originally Posted by whitrzac (Post 12787461)

Mazda has a similar system in their new cars....

Originally Posted by Dave H (Post 12787559)

Ah yes, in conventional cars, not electric I believe. Since they don't have the large battery pack available. Peugeot had a similar deal in production the year before I think.

Originally Posted by howardcano (Post 12786849)

All of the MOSFETs used in our brushless speed controls have intrinsic diodes ("substrate diodes") as part of their construction. These diodes are actually in parallel with the MOSFETs, and are reverse-biased in normal operation. If the motor voltage should spike higher than the battery voltage (as usually happens during partial braking), then current will flow into the battery through these diodes. Every brushless ESC I know of operates this way, so it's not a special feature. In fact, it's usually required to prevent overvoltage damage to the MOSFETs.

Originally Posted by Dave H (Post 12787419)

Chrysler experimented a fair bit with a flywheel storage system, and there has been other research. Also some have experimented with super capacitors. But as far as I know all current production electric/hybrid cars just recharge the battery. Going back at least to the GM EV-1/Impact from the mid '90s or so.

In the future I suspect we will see suspension energy converted to the batteries. Shock absorbers burn off a noticeable amount of energy.

There is some construction equipment, primarily excavators I think, that use hydraulic accumulators to store energy. Since they already have significant hydraulic and related control systems I've heard it works quite well.

Originally Posted by stascom (Post 12787815)

I was expecting something simple like that. Thank you for the explanation.



I see. I figured having motors connected directly to the axles for regen braking may be a bit harsh on pedal response (too rough and jarring). I'm no electirical engineer :p
I must say, KERS in the Porsche 911 GT3 R is pretty slick. Would love to see something like that in performance trims of regular cars :tire:

Originally Posted by Dave H (Post 12787894)

One thing I want is movable aerodynamic devices. Lots of down force for braking, corners, and rain for safety sakes. Then DRS (low drag) for the straightaway for better fuel economy. There are a few examples, wonder if more can be done, affordably of course.

Originally Posted by howardcano (Post 12788890)

Just like a very pretty, all-white CanAm car from the 1960's!