Pulse & Glide + Flywheel Energy Storage
 

rather then "pulse and glide" cruise control setting, couldn't you get the same effect of optimizing the time spent at min BSFC using a cvt energy storage flywheel.
cycle of 50 % drive + accelerate flywheel 50% ic off drive from flywheel. Although that would lose 10% due to conversion loss would that not give 10% better mpg at a constant speed?

You would need dual CVT's to keep engine RPMs low. One between the flywheel and engine, the other between engine and wheels. I can't see the weight of the whole mess being good for economy. Plus you'd be pushing 40% drivetrain losses.

It's an interesting idea.

Could you not theoretically use something like the Prius' power split device? The added complexity/weight of that setup seems to work well.

There is something engineered like that, they used it in de f1 kers.
And there bussy working on a street hybrid one, called a flybrid.
Volvo is going to use it and Jauguar has also a prototype.


I really like the idea, your not converting power but simply storing kenetic energy. Thus getting a claimed efficiency off 85% !!(Electic reg. braking 30%)
And the weight and enviremental impact are also far less.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4PcIt0FPvWQ

Williams Hybrid Power - Flywheel Background

Gyrobus - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Volvo touts mechanical KERS for future road cars (but fails to mention partners Flybrid & Torotrak)