Efficiency Analysis of Regenerative Brake System Using Flywheel Energy Storage Technology in Electric Vehicles

Abstract

The increase in fossil fuel consumption used in conventional vehicles has adversely affected carbon emissions in the atmosphere. Due to this negativity, many problems such as global warming, noise pollution, and cost have emerged. To find solutions to these problems, many studies have been conducted to increase the energy storage capacity of Electric Vehicles (EVs) since 1835. EVs produced as a result of these studies work more efficiently than traditional vehicles. However, the driving range problem and charging time are the biggest disadvantages of these vehicles. These disadvantages are a major obstacle for EVs to replace traditional vehicles. In this study, an experimental study was conducted on flywheel-battery in-vehicle topologies, which are recommended to increase the range of EVs and hybrid electric vehicles. In this application, two flywheels with the same rotor radius and different masses were used. Energy was produced by the generator through these flywheels. This energy was employed to charge the batteries. The stored energy and power amounts were investigated depending on the variation in the moment of inertia of both flywheels at the maximum and minimum levels. Because of this examination, it has been determined which flywheels with the same rotor radius but different masses are more suitable for EVs.

Keywords

• electric vehicle
• energy storage
• flywheel-battery
• regenerative braking system