This example was used in an analogy for cutting down on computer power consumption.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
"The concept is somewhat analogous to hybrid cars now on the market that take the energy generated during braking and recycle it into electricity used to power the car."</TD></TR></TABLE>

I'm guessing this is via gearing as opposed to via heat recovery.

Also, since some of the examples i've seen use 4 electric motors to drive the wheels, there are no drivetrain losses.... neat.

-PHiZ


Modified by PHiZ at 6:17 PM 11/11/2003

 

The civic hybrid has an electric motor between the gas engine and the tranny. It is used to suplement the gas engine on acceleration and, while braking, the motor then becomes a generator and recharges the batteries that power it. The electric motor also acts as the starter for the gas engine. It has an auto stop feature that will shut off the gas engine when you come to a stop light. When you take your foot off the brake or press in the clutch pedal, the gas engine automatically starts via the electric motor. The gas motor also uses vtec in reverse. While normal driving, vtec is engaged to let the valves open and close as normal, but on decell and braking, vtec is released and the valves no longer open but stay closed to allow for less frictional loss through the valve train and more energy used for regeneration to charge the batteries.