Evaluation of three kinetic energy storage systems

Abstract. This paper investigates recent advances in energy recovery systems (ERS) in automotive vehicles to reduce air pollution and impact on climate change. The three ERS systems: mechanical flywheel, regenerative braking, and regenerative electrically assisted (REAT) turbocharger are evaluated for their potential to reclaim energy wasted by the automobile thereby increasing range and efficiency of the vehicle. The methods of comparison are based on data sourced from current literature relevant to total energy recovery, system configuration, and application feasibility. This will identify regenerative braking as best for new vehicles to decrease fuel consumption and regenerative electrically assisted turbocharges (REAT) as best for retrofitting older vehicles. The paper will use the results to identify the energy recovery system with the greatest potential for immediate application and further research to overcome remaining challenges.