Quote:
Originally Posted by Arragonis
At the time they were pioneering the use of various technologies such as a regen braking and acceleration assist system based on compressed air - batteries were even less developed in those days.
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I recall reading of a similar method for regen using high pressure hydraulics , again , well before battery systems were being used.
Simply explained: The bus had a small hydraulic pump attached to the driveshaft.
When coming to a stop the momentum of the bus would spin the pump which would push hydraulic fluid into a container which held gas separated by a diaphragm. The gas was compressed as the fluid was pumped in.
Departing from the stop the fluid was released from the container back through the hydraulic pump to help propel the bus along.
When the gas pressure was used up the engine was started.
The next stop it was repeated.
There were two drawbacks:
Precision and expensive engineering for the pump and the physical size of the containers needed.
Peter.