NYSERDA Exploring New Regenerative Braking System
RELEASE: IMMEDIATE, January 5, 2001
CONTACT: Tom Collins, NYSERDA
(518) 862-1090, ext. 3250.
Albany, NY – The New York State Energy Research and Development
Authority (NYSERDA) recently initiated a project with TransiDrive,
Inc. of Brooklyn to develop preliminary designs for a regenerative
braking system based on hydraulic technology. Hybrid-electric and
electric buses incorporate regenerative braking systems to capture
energy normally lost during braking. The captured energy is stored
for use in providing power for vehicle acceleration. These systems
generally rely on batteries as the energy storage device. However,
conventional batteries are not well suited for this type of intense
charge and discharge cycle.
With support from NYSERDA, the Brooklyn company will develop plans
for a regenerative braking system that reduces the work load on the
batteries, increasing their life and allowing them to be smaller and
lighter. The proposed system incorporates a hydraulic device that
acts as both a pump and a motor depending on whether it is pumping
fluid to, or receiving fluid from an accumulator, which is a tank
containing an inert gas. The accumulator allows the hydraulic fluid
to enter and exit through an orifice at the bottom.
When the brakes of the vehicle are applied, the hydraulic pump coupled
to the vehicle’s drivetrain forces fluid into the accumulator,
increasing the pressure of the gas inside. During acceleration, the
fluid in the accumulator is allowed to flow back to the motor. Much
like a spring released from its compressed state, the pressurized
gas forces the fluid out of the accumulator, providing power to assist
the vehicle in acceleration.
“NYSERDA has a long-standing interest in the development of
hybrid-electric and electric buses as a tool to help improve urban
air quality,” said NYSERDA President William M. Flynn. “Development
of an improved, lower-cost regenerative braking system would further
improve the fuel efficiency, environmental performance, and economics
of these vehicles – which will make them more practical and
affordable for transit agencies throughout New York State and the
country.”
The current project encompasses only the design stages of the new
regenerative braking system. Pending successful completion of this
stage, NYSERDA and TransiDrive would likely pursue additional phases
to build and test prototypes on buses operated in the New York City
metropolitan area.
Besides improving the operation of hybrid-electric and electric buses,
the new technology can potentially be applied to conventional buses,
helping to cut fuel consumption, emissions, and wear-and-tear on the
vehicle’s brakes. The New York City Department of Transportation
(DOT) is providing advice and guidance to help TransiDrive identify
specific applications for the technology.
“TransiDrive is intended to recapture the energy available
from the bus’ back axle for regeneration,” said TransiDrive
President Robert Lisniansky. “The system will maximize the
overall energy efficiency and performance potentials of the bus’
drive system.”
NYSERDA, a public benefit corporation, supports research to develop
technologies that help New York save energy and reduce emissions.
NYSERDA also helps New York State businesses develop energy and environmental
products, commercializing the type of high-value-added products that
give New York State businesses a real chance to compete in the expanding
global marketplace. In addition, NYSERDA helps New York State businesses,
residents, and municipalities identify and implement cost-effective
energy efficiency measures that lower operating costs and reduce environmental
emissions.
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