Volvo plans to test the Kinetic Energy Regeneration System (KERS), on an ordinary car after receiving a grant from the Swedish Energy Agency, amounting to USD640 thousand.
Unlike car system in general that using the brakes and alternator to shut down the energy when the car slows down, the Volvo has a special flywheel capable of rotating up to 60,000 rpm. Spinning flywheel acts as a generator to recharge the car battery.
The battery in the Volvo test can then be used to help accelerate the car through a uniquely designed transmission. Like the car in Formula One, when using KERS system could help drivers when overtaking.
"This technology has the potential to reduce fuel consumption by 20 percent. In addition it gives an extra boost acceleration horspower to provide four-cylinder engine that can be similar to the six-cylinder units,"explained vice president of Volvo Powertrain Engineering, Derek Crabb.
Volvo will conduct road tests in Europe. They hope KERS technology will be offered on a production model in the next few years.
