Automotive Regenerative Braking System Becomes a New Way to Save Tons of Fuel

Demand for fuel efficient cars, rise in pollution concerns, and innovation of electric cars have become factors that influence decisions of automakers for using technologies and techniques in production. With innovative design, ravishing looks, and enhanced performance, manufacturers are taking one of the most vital issues of the century into consideration during design and production. Environment. They are implementing various technologies in order to address environment conditions such as pollution caused by emission of gases. Moreover, people are also aware about fuel efficient cars. One of the most innovative ways to obtain fuel efficiency is automotive regenerative braking system (RBS). Stringent rules and introduction of electric vehicles have enabled increase in use of regenerative braking in automobile sector. Here are some of the trends by leading manufacturers which has influenced the global industry:

Saving 100 million gallons in gasoline by Ford:

Automakers are implementing various ways to save fuel and lower pollution caused by emission of gases. To fulfill these visions, electric and hybrid cars were invented. Regenerative braking system became a commonplace for these type of vehicles. So, saving an enormous amount of fuel was possible over the period of time. Ford claimed that its electric and hybrid vehicles have saved over 100 million gallons in gasoline over the period of 15 years. Its initial models rolled out in late 1990s were Ranger and Ecostar EVs. These models featured rudimentary version of regenerative braking.

Ford has worked relentlessly over the past 15 years to improve efficiency and application of RBS. Its recent system is able to capture 95 percent of kinetic energy and effectively handles 0.2g of braking force before friction brakes are applied. These insights have enabled Ford to estimate that their customers have saved up to 100 million gallons of gasoline since the introduction of RBS in their products. Moreover, its analysis also showed that their system captures 45 to 65 percent more energy than its competitors. The regenerative braking system has gained prominence and is still on the highest priority when it comes to saving fuel. The global market is on the rise with coming years.

Approval for hybrid hydraulic system that uses RBS:

Various systems have been developed with the help of RBS to enhance fuel economy. Lightning Systems, a Colorado based firm stated that its hydraulic hybrid system which uses RBS to enhance fuel economy has received an executive order for aftermarket conversions. California Air Resources Board (CARB) has issued an order to allow aftermarket conversions of gasoline-powered 2016 model-year Ford E-450 vehicles. It is available in California and throughout the U.S. It operates logistics & delivery trucks, shuttle & paratransit buses, and food & beverage vehicles.

"Lightning Systems went through CARB’s rigorous testing and thorough approval processes, and we are thrilled to receive this EO," says Tim Reeser, CEO of Lightning Systems. "Our system is unique in that it isn’t electric, the hydraulic energy recovery is a more powerful and efficient technology well suited for heavy vehicles and duty cycles, and doesn’t require any infrastructure." The company will introduce a new line of fleet efficiency products for commercial and government fleets. Recent advancements and wide areas of applications of RBS in various systems resulted in growth in demand, which in turn, causes upsurge in the global market.

Making most of the brakes of metro trains through RBS:

Not only auto manufacturers but also government projects including metro trains are striving to make most of the regenerative braking. Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) will hand over tenders for installation of ‘reversible sub-stations’ at all metro stations to avoid wastage of heat energy produced during the braking. The trains which began their operations from June 18, 2017 are equipped with regenerative braking system. "The system ensures that the braking energy of a train running in front is converted to electrical power that is lapped up by trains running behind. In this, instead of the brake shoe pressing the wheels, a motor works to generate electrical power from the heat produced during braking. Subsequent trains within 2-km radius can consume the power," said metro sources.

The energy generated will be utilized to power lights and AC in trains. The excess energy is expected to be fed back to the grid to save power. But the available technology does not feed the power back to the grid. The energy will be fed back to the grid with reversible sub-stations. Within next two months, the KMRL will short list a company and determine equipment to be installed for sub-stations to ensure power flow in either direction. In addition to regenerative braking system, sub-stations will ensure saving of heat energy and utilization of excess energy. This project underlines significance of RBS for various applications.

In its recent report on the global automotive regenerative braking system market, Allied Market Research states that the market is expected to reach $55,180 million by 2022. The report offers an extensive analysis of changing market dynamics, key manufacturers, and recent industry trends to help market players, investors, management executives, and new entrants take necessary steps toward growth in coming years.

Mufassira is a content writer at Allied Analytics Llp. She holds a bachelor's degree in business management. Mufassira reads, researches, and writes actively on a diverse range of topics including current industry trends.