Autoblog

Mazda reveals i-ELOOP capacitor-based regenerative braking system

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 13:29:00 EST

Batteries aren't the only technology mankind has invented to store electricity, and Mazda is working on a solution to the energy storage needs of electrified vehicles with a new system it's calling i-ELOOP. While we wish it didn't have such a cumbersome moniker, the technology behind i-ELOOP is intriguing.

Mazda claims that its i-ELOOP system will be featured in the first production passenger vehicle with recaptured energy from regenerative braking stored in a capacitor. The rest of the bits and pieces behind the tech include a variable voltage alternator and a DC/DC converter that sends energy otherwise lost to heat in the brakes at up to 25 volts to the Electric Double Layer Capacitor, where it's stored for later use.

There's no electric motor in the i-ELOOP drivetrain, so the capacitor releases its energy to recharge the car's battery and to help power electric components like the heating and air conditioning systems. All in, Mazda promises fuel savings of up to 10 percent over cars not equipped with regenerative braking. Read all about it in the press release after the break.

Continue reading Mazda reveals i-ELOOP capacitor-based regenerative braking system

Mazda reveals i-ELOOP capacitor-based regenerative braking system originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Nov 2011 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: Toyota recalls 2010 Prius and Lexus HS250h for ABS fix

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Safety, Lexus, Toyota

2010 Toyota Prius - Click above for high-res image gallery

In what is perhaps our least surprising announcement of the young day, Toyota has officially announced that it will recall 2010 model Prius and Lexus HS250h models globally along with the Toyota Sai in Japan to fix an issue the performance of their braking systems. The latest in a series of safety related problems with Toyotas became public fodder last week when Toyota acknowledged that customers of the third generation hybrid had complained of a loss of stopping power at low speeds.

Toyota has also acknowledged that it has developed a software update to improve the blending of the regenerative and
friction braking systems and implemented the update into new production models sometime in January. The automaker did not, however, order a recall of vehicles in customer hands until more than a week after reports of the issue turned up in the media.

The Prius, Prius PHEV, HS250h and Sai (a Toyota badged version of the Prius sold only in Japan) are all being recalled for the software bug fix. In total about 400,000 vehicles are involved in this recall. First- and second-generation Priuses are not included since they have a different braking system, although there are concerns that there could be performance issues with those vehicles, too.

In the same release, Toyota has also announced that it will recall about 7,300 2010 model Camry sedans to inspect a power steering hose that may sit to close to a brake hose and cause it to wear through. Official press release after the jump.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Toyota Prius

[Source: Toyota]

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Continue reading Officially Official: Toyota recalls 2010 Prius and Lexus HS250h for ABS fix

Officially Official: Toyota recalls 2010 Prius and Lexus HS250h for ABS fix originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Toyota Prius brakes under investigation by Japanese, U.S. governments

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Safety, Hatchback, Toyota

2010 Toyota Prius - Click above for high-res image gallery

The pain just keeps on coming for Toyota. First came complaints of cars running away without the driver pressing the accelerator. Now the Japanese government has ordered Toyota to investigate the braking system on the 2010 Prius. The U.S. government is also looking into the matter after receiving over 100 complaints about the brakes on the third-generation hybrid. Like most other hybrids, the Prius uses an electro-hydraulic brake system that blends the regenerative and friction braking functions. There have apparently been dozens of complaints in Japan and North America of a momentary loss of braking power at low speeds on slick or bumpy road surfaces.

We can't say for sure what is or is not happening on the Prius, but we can offer some possible insight. On hybrids vehicles, the brake system monitors the state of charge of the battery, the available amount of regenerative braking and the driver's brake demand (as measured by the brake pedal apply). As the vehicle comes to a stop, the amount of regenerative braking is ramped down to zero since you can only capture kinetic energy when the wheels are rolling. Doing this smoothly requires an accurate software model of the friction braking behavior. If the friction brakes are generating less torque than the model says it should be, the brake system will apply less pressure to the brakes. The result would be a momentary loss of deceleration during the hand-off from regen to friction braking.

Because the behavior of friction brakes varies over time depending on temperature, moisture, wear and other factors, it is very difficult to calibrate these models. The other part of this equation is the fact that this is happening at low speeds. The wheel speed sensors become less accurate at low speeds as the time period between sensor pulses is extended. Rough or slippery surfaces exacerbate the problem, which could make the brake system think there is slip that might not be there, resulting in lower brake pressure. The result is a perceived loss of deceleration.

If these are the problems that the Prius is experiencing, they could be corrected with an update to the control software. However, that will take time for Toyota to calibrate and validate.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Toyota Prius

[Source: New York Times]

Report: Toyota Prius brakes under investigation by Japanese, U.S. governments originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Feb 2010 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NHTSA reportedly eyes loss of braking power in 2010 Toyota Prius

Sam Abuelsamid — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 17:37:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Safety, Technology, Toyota

2010 Toyota Prius - Click above for high-res image gallery

2009 has not been a good year for Toyota. After getting its first full-year loss in seven decades, it faced its biggest-ever safety recall over unintended acceleration caused by floor mats and/or throttle control software. Now, as the year draws to a close, a new potential problem has sprung up. This time around, the issue is related to the braking system on the latest Prius, which debuted early this year.

The problem, which has been reported to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) by several dozen drivers, relates to a loss of deceleration when transitioning from regenerative braking to friction braking. At this time, NHTSA has not opened a full investigation but it is monitoring the situation.

This is actually quite a complicated issue, and it highlights one of the reasons why it takes automakers so long to bring cars to market. Read on after the jump for some discussion on what might be happening.

Gallery: 2010 Toyota Prius

[Source: The Detroit Bureau]

Continue reading NHTSA reportedly eyes loss of braking power in 2010 Toyota Prius

NHTSA reportedly eyes loss of braking power in 2010 Toyota Prius originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 26 Dec 2009 17:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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On the Rebound: Scientists invent regenerative shocks

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 11:20:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, Technology

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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BMW 7-Series hybrid on the horizon

Michael Harley — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 10:33:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Green, Technology, BMW

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.

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Start-stop MINI due in September, diesel version to match CO2 emissions of Prius

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 09:55:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Hybrid, Green, Hatchback, Mini

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.

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Regenerative braking coming to BMW 3-series in October

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 08:53:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Europe, Green, BMW

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.

Trickle-down tech: Non-hybrid BMW 5 Series to feature regenerative braking

[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.

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BMW 5-series gets regenerative braking, but not why you think

Dan Roth — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Green, Technology, BMW

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.

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

John Neff — Wed, 26 Apr 2006 15:24:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Hybrid, Performance, Green, Technology, Mazda

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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