Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[On the Rebound: Scientists invent regenerative shocks]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/01/on-the-rebound-scientists-invent-regenerative-shocks/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/01/on-the-rebound-scientists-invent-regenerative-shocks/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/01/on-the-rebound-scientists-invent-regenerative-shocks/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Scientists at Tufts University have patented a shock absorber that converts compressive energy into electricity, which can then be stored in a hybrid vehicle's batteries. Called the Power-Generating Shock Absorber (PGSA), actually an electromagnetic linear generator, it uses "magnet arrays, high magnetic permeability spaces, coil winding arrays," and a linear electric motor to capture the energy of its motion and use it to charge the batteries.

The movement of a standard shock absorber creates heat, which is neutralized by the oil in the shock. In a PGSA, a linear electric motor converts the magnetic field created by the repetitive motion into electricity. Or, if you like your technology to sound science-y, it "uses an electromagnetic linear generator to convert variable frequency, repetitive intermittent linear displacement motion to useful electrical power."

The technology can be used on any vehicle that uses shocks and batteries, but its greatest application could be on trucks due to their higher mass and electricity-generation potential. Electric Truck, LLC has licensed the shock technology, which is predicted to generate between 2kW and 17kW of energy on an average road. According to the men who created it, "the percentage of recoverable power/energy for a 2,500 lb vehicle that employs four optimized design regenerative magnetic shock absorbers and whose average speed is 45 mph on a typical US highway is likely to be between 20% and 70%." Put four of those on a Prius and stay in town, and all of a sudden you're talking about interstellar gas mileage. Thanks for the tip, Paul

[Source: Gizmag via iCars]

On the Rebound: Scientists invent regenerative shocks originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 01 Feb 2009 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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With Cameron Diaz now officially set to ride in the BMW Hydrogen 7 to the 2008 Oscar Awards, more unofficial details are coming out that BMW is planning to launch a Hybrid 7 Series in the next 2-3 years. We have blogged about hybrid BMW models before. In fact, just last April, we spoke about a Hybrid 5 Series model possibly in the works. Now, rumor has it that the flagship 7 Series will get the eco-friendly powerplant first.

Likely a joint venture between BMW, General Motors, and Mercedes-Benz, the new powerplant will be a "mild" hybrid system. This type of hybrid recovers energy from braking (aka "regenerative braking") to be stored and used to supplement the internal combustion engine. The Hybrid 7 Series will have to ultimately rely on gasoline for propulsion, as this type of hybrid is not able to run in pure electric mode like the Porsche Cayenne Hybrid.

With the news of BMW's twin-turbo diesel hybrid X5 fresh on our minds, it seems 2008 is turning out to be a green year for the German automaker.

[Source: Just-Auto, subs. req'd]

BMW 7-Series hybrid on the horizon originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 23 Feb 2008 10:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BMWHybridHydrogenRegenerative BrakingRegenerativeBrakingSat, 23 Feb 2008 10:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Start-stop MINI due in September, diesel version to match CO2 emissions of Prius]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/24/start-stop-mini-due-in-september-diesel-version-to-match-co2-em/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/24/start-stop-mini-due-in-september-diesel-version-to-match-co2-em/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/24/start-stop-mini-due-in-september-diesel-version-to-match-co2-em/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



According to suppliers quoted by Automotive News, soon after the MINI press conference concludes in Frankfurt, buyers will be able to get their iconic runabout complete with regenerative braking and start-stop features.

Both gasoline- and diesel-powered models will be equipped with the new technology, supplied by Bosch, and the oilburning offerings will emit 104 g/km of C02, a 12-percent decrease from the standard model. As a comparison, the 1.5-liter gasoline-electric hybrid Prius produces the same amount of C02, something that should be noted by both consumers and legislators alike. Sales are set to begin this September.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Start-stop MINI due in September, diesel version to match CO2 emissions of Prius originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Jul 2007 09:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>c02cooperdieselhybridminipriusregenerative brakingRegenerativeBrakingstart-stoptoyotaTue, 24 Jul 2007 09:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Regenerative braking coming to BMW 3-series in October]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/17/regenerative-braking-coming-to-bmw-3-series-in-october/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/17/regenerative-braking-coming-to-bmw-3-series-in-october/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/17/regenerative-braking-coming-to-bmw-3-series-in-october/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

We already know that BMW isn't interested in making any hybrid gas/electric vehicles unless they can find a way to make the system more efficient than their most efficient diesels (click here for more from AutoblogGreen). But, that does not mean that some of the technology pioneered in hybrid vehicles can't find a place in the BMW model range.

Take for instance regenerative braking. While your standard hybrid is capable of recapturing energy normally wasted in braking with their electric motor(s), the same technology can be used in a more mainstream application by aiding the alternator in energy production. The BMW 5-Series and 1-Series have already used this type of system with good effect, so it comes as no surprise that BMW would implement it in their best-selling 3 Series as well.

The system is capable of coupling and decoupling the alternator from the engine, which has the dual benefits of slowing down the vehicle when engaged and freeing up more engine power for the wheels when disconnected. It's nice to see that performance and fuel-economy can cohabitate under the same hood.

Related:

[Source: Motor Authority]

Regenerative braking coming to BMW 3-series in October originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Apr 2007 08:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3 Series3Series5 Series5SeriesBMWBMW 3 SeriesBMW dieselBMW hybridBmw3SeriesBmwDieselBmwHybridbraking regenBrakingRegenregenregenerative brakingRegenerativeBrakingTue, 17 Apr 2007 08:53:00 EST<![CDATA[BMW 5-series gets regenerative braking, but not why you think]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/13/bmw-5-series-gets-regenerative-braking-but-not-why-you-think/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/13/bmw-5-series-gets-regenerative-braking-but-not-why-you-think/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/13/bmw-5-series-gets-regenerative-braking-but-not-why-you-think/#commentsFiled under: , ,



It would seem that BMW reads Autoblog. How else would you explain them, at least partially, answering our question about how a conventional automobile would utilize some of the hybrid demon-tweaks?

For the first time ever, BMW has equipped a non-hybrid car with a regenerative braking system. There's a new battery that uses fiberglass mats between the plates to keep the electrolytes put, and a corresponding "intelligent" alternator. The battery technology, known as Absorbtive Glass Mat construction is capable of being charged very quickly without boiling; and they stand up far better to the deep cycling that would be abusive to a traditional lead-acid battery. The ability to receive and deliver high amperages reliably makes the AGM batteries ideal for coupling with the rest of BMWs Efficient Dynamics program. The battery can be fully charged during braking, which reduces the load on the engine by making the alternator work less. The program's intent is to reduce weight and fuel consumption, ultimately keeping CO2 emissions down. BMWs efforts result in a vehicle that has the low-rolling-resistance tires, electrically operated AC and power steering and stop/start systems of a hybrid, without the electric motors.

[Source: Fifth Gear via Jalopnik]

BMW 5-series gets regenerative braking, but not why you think originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 13 Jan 2007 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5 series5SeriesbatteryBMWcarbon reductionCarbonReductionefficiencygreenkyotoregenerative brakingRegenerativeBrakingSat, 13 Jan 2007 11:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Mazda RX-9 features Mighty Morphin' tire technology and energy absorbent skin]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/26/mighty-morphin-tire-technology-on-mazda-rx-9/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/26/mighty-morphin-tire-technology-on-mazda-rx-9/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/26/mighty-morphin-tire-technology-on-mazda-rx-9/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



The Mazda RX-9 is an advanced concept that came out on top in this year's Michelin Design Challenge. It's a hybrid featuring a 2.5L V6 and wafer-thin electric motor, but features a couple of technologies not seen before in the race for higher fuel mileage.

James Owen Design is the one-man firm responsible for penning the vehicle's shape. The slick skin features electrostatic collectors that can collect electrical charges that build up on the exterior panels while driving through dry air. The electricity is store in capacitors that can then feed the hybrid drivetrain along with the onboard regenerative braking.

What's more trick are the vehicle's tires, which feature Electroactive Polymers (E.A.P.) that with varying levels of voltage from the vehicle's electrical system can actually change the shape and depth of their tread pattern. The rubber donuts can go from flat and smooth to knobby and grippy, or even ride high on their centers for ultra-low rolling resistance.

Follow the jump for further exposition provided by James Owen himself and for additional images. High res images can be found at the above links.

[Source: James Owen Design]

Continue reading Mazda RX-9 features Mighty Morphin' tire technology and energy absorbent skin

Mazda RX-9 features Mighty Morphin' tire technology and energy absorbent skin originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Apr 2006 15:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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