Jaguar Looking at Using a Mechanical Hybrid System

Torotrak, a British high-tech transmission specialist, announced that it is working with Jaguar Land Rover on a mechanical hybrid system similar to the KERS devices fitted to most Formula One cars competing this season.

The mechanical hybrid system uses a small continuously variable transmission (CVT) coupled to a flywheel. Some of the energy that is normally lost to heat when braking is transferred through the CVT to the flywheel. The CVT spins the flywheel at up to 64,000 RPM, storing kinetic energy. The stored kinetic energy is then used when the car accelerates again, providing a boost in power and efficiency.

Torotrak claims the system is more efficient than a comparable gasoline/electric hybrid and is much cheaper to produce. The company claims fuel economy gains of up to 42 percent in EPA fuel economy ratings. Torotrak also has a version of the system for application on commercial vehicles, such as buses. On the UK cycle, Torotrak claims such buses achieve fuel economy gains of 34 percent- better than the approximately 25 percent fuel economy gains seen by the diesel/electric hybrid buses seen around here.

Compared to a gasoline/electric hybrid system the KERS device is significantly lighter and cheaper. The whole system adds around 44 pounds to a conventional sedan. The system is also packaged small enough so it can be fitted to just about any car.

Source: Autocar, Torotrak