Natural resources conservation has become a requirement in today’s world, mainly in the area of new technology. In many rolling applications maximum energy is lost during deceleration or braking. This problem has been fixed with the introduction of regenerative braking.
The Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) is a system for recovering the moving vehicle's kinetic energy under braking and also to utilize the usual loss in kinetic energy. When riding a bicycle, a great amount of kinetic energy is lost while braking, making start up fairly difficult. Here we used the mechanical kinetic energy recovery system by means of a flywheel to store the energy which is normally lost during braking, and reuse it to help propel the rider when starting. The rider can charge the flywheel when slowing or descending a hill and boost the bike when accelerating or climbing a hill. The flywheel increases maximum acceleration and can perform pedal energy savings during a ride where speeds are between 6 and 5 kmph.
Table of Contents
1 Introduction
2 Design of Components
3 Fabrication of Components
4 Assembly and Working
5 Cost Estimation
6 Conclusion
7 Bibliography
Research Objectives and Topics
This project aims to design, fabricate, and demonstrate a Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) integrated into a standard bicycle. The research investigates how a flywheel can be utilized to store kinetic energy during braking and subsequently release this energy to provide a boost during acceleration, thereby reducing the rider's physical effort.
- Theoretical design and mechanical modeling of a flywheel-based energy storage system.
- Fabrication processes including frame modifications and custom gear-shifting mechanisms.
- Performance testing to quantify energy recovery efficiency through stationary trials.
- Evaluation of transmission configurations to optimize energy transfer between the flywheel and rear wheel.
- Economic analysis regarding the cost-effectiveness of implementing KERS on human-powered vehicles.
Excerpt from the Book
1.1. OVERVIEW AND BACKGROUND
Flywheel is a rotating mechanical device used to store rotational kinetic energy. Flywheels have a significant moment of inertia and thus resist changes in rotational speed. The amount of energy inside a flywheel depends on rotational speed, mass, and geometry. Flywheels are used to store and release energy as kinetic energy. Since there is no energy transformation (for example: from mechanical to electrical energy) involved during storage and release, the efficiency is high. Flywheels can act like mechanical batteries as an alternative to chemical batteries.
Brakes are devices that regulate the motion of a rotating body or a shaft. Most brakes are friction devices. These devices convert the kinetic energy to heat energy by friction. This, however, releases energy into the surrounding, which could be considered as a waste of energy. Harnessing and recovering this energy for useful work is possible by using regenerative braking.
Automotive that uses internal combustion engines (ICE) create harmful pollutant gases as their byproducts. Efforts have been made to improve the efficiency of cars and to reduce the harmful emissions. Alternative replacements to ICE vehicles are electric cars powered by chemical batteries. An electric car does not emit pollutants and does not emit so much heat into the atmosphere. However, charging the chemical battery for electric cars can take hours, compared to filling up a fuel tank of internal combustion engine vehicles.
Summary of Chapters
1 Introduction: Provides the fundamental principles of flywheel energy storage and explains the rationale for applying regenerative braking to bicycles.
2 Design of Components: Details the theoretical design calculations for the flywheel, power transfer mechanisms, and the selection of components using CAD software.
3 Fabrication of Components: Describes the practical steps taken to modify the bicycle frame, hubs, and gear-shifting system to accommodate the KERS prototype.
4 Assembly and Working: Explains the integration of the modified components and the operational procedures for charging and boosting using the flywheel.
5 Cost Estimation: Presents a breakdown of the expenses associated with the materials and labor required to build the prototype.
6 Conclusion: Summarizes the project outcomes, confirming the successful recovery of approximately 22% of energy and suggesting further improvements via CVT.
7 Bibliography: Lists the academic sources and technical literature consulted during the development of this project.
Keywords
Flywheel, Kinetic Energy Recovery System, KERS, Regenerative Braking, Bicycle, Moment of Inertia, Energy Density, Power Transfer, Transmission, Mechanical Battery, Prototype Fabrication, Gear Ratio, Energy Efficiency, Rotational Kinetic Energy, Sustainable Transport.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this project?
The project focuses on the design, construction, and testing of a mechanical Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) for a standard bicycle using a flywheel.
What are the primary fields of study involved?
The study spans mechanical engineering, specifically focusing on energy storage, power transmission systems, bicycle dynamics, and regenerative braking technologies.
What is the ultimate goal of the research?
The goal is to demonstrate that a bicycle can effectively store braking energy in a flywheel and reuse it for boosting speed, thereby decreasing the rider's effort.
Which scientific methods were employed?
The project utilized theoretical design calculations, CAD modeling, and empirical performance testing through stationary trials using speedometers and tachometers.
What is discussed in the main body of the work?
The main body covers the design requirements, mathematical calculations for moment of inertia and energy recovery, fabrication processes, and the final assembly of the KERS.
Which keywords best describe this research?
Key terms include Flywheel, KERS, Regenerative Braking, Mechanical Battery, Power Transfer, and Rotational Kinetic Energy.
How is the energy recovery efficiency calculated?
The efficiency is calculated by measuring the kinetic energy of the rear wheel before and after the boosting process and comparing it to the energy stored in the flywheel.
What were the major limitations identified during the study?
The study identified significant limitations in the current transmission design, specifically the gear ratios causing sudden motion changes, and the friction losses affecting the boosting performance.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Venkatesh Babu A (Autor:in), 2016, Kinetic Energy Recovery System in a Bicycle using a Flywheel, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/352343
