Regenerative Braking Challenge

As part of the Bath Fringe 2006 the Walcot Renewable Energy University invites pioneers to undertake the Regenerative Braking Challenge, sponsored annually by Abbey Ales. Here the Tetcycles pit their wits against their only other competitor, a milk float

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• gadget
• mechanics
• regenerative
• braking
• beer

[heartlessvietboy]

What is the exact average amount of electricity (in kilowatt) you get back from braking?  Is it worth the engineering and technology (weight) to utilize in your car only achieving .10KW.

[timtak1]

@TimpBizkit

Prius or Insight it is then.

[TimpBizkit]

@timtak1 You'd probably want an electric/petrol or diesel hybrid. Petrol/diesel whomps battery for run time, but if there's a long steep hill that MUST be stopped at the bottom of e.g. it stems out onto a busy road or roundabout, then there is no point in wasting the descent energy. The fuel engine should be used as engines are generally more efficient under heavy loads and electric motors are more efficient under light loads.

[timtak1]

@TimpBizkit

Does this mean that electric cars are going to be a hit in hilly/mountainous regions?

Bath is so beautiful.

[TimpBizkit]

@timtak1 so did I - I graduated this year. Regenerative braking is particularly useful in bath going down that long hill as all the energy from the hill is going to be wasted anyway as there is a roundabout at the bottom.

[timtak1]

Natsukashii. I went to Bath University.