View Single Post
Old 01-26-2010, 10:44 PM   #8 (permalink)
cfg83
Pokémoderator
 
cfg83's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Southern California
Posts: 5,864

1999 Saturn SW2 - '99 Saturn SW2 Wagon
Team Saturn
90 day: 40.49 mpg (US)
Thanks: 439
Thanked 530 Times in 356 Posts
Bicycle Bob -

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bicycle Bob View Post
Even on a small car, the brakes can absorb energy at a rate in the hundreds of horsepower. A generator for even a hundred HP, which might suffice for most situations, would still be rather heavy to carry around, as would be the system to store power at that rate. Regenerative braking systems are not always worth while even if you already have an electric traction motor. I just did an 80 mile round trip, and only touched the brakes at the ends.
Would this be a situation where ultracapacitors could be used to *temporarily* store the energy? It could be used in the HHO design or to supplement the alternator, but without(?) the weight penalty.

CarloSW2
__________________

What's your EPA MPG? Go Here and find out!
American Solar Energy Society
  Reply With Quote