Everything we need to know about kinetic energy recovery system

What is it?
Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems (KERS) are definitive automotive system which propagates the recovery of the kinetic energy of a moving vehicle under braking, and this recovered energy is then stored in a reservoir (either a flywheel or a battery) for later use under acceleration. Generally used in Formula One races, the subsequent advantages of this unique mechanism can be twofold. Firstly, the excess stored energy could be used to boost one’s speed in the racing conditions, especially to overtake one’s closest opponent. Secondly, the indirect effect of the system does allude to higher degree of sustainability, and thus can be utilized in the field of ‘green’ technologies.
How does it work?
As already mentioned, the system actually uses mainly two types of storage mechanisms, i.e. a battery (electrical) or a flywheel (mechanical). The main component of the electrical system is the incorporated motor-generator in the car’s transmission which converts mechanical braking energy into electrical energy and vice versa. The converted energy in turn is stored in the battery, and utilized later on.
The mechanical system utilizes the braking energy to turn a small flywheel which can spin at up to 80,000 rpm. So when that extra bit of power is required, the flywheel is connected to the car’s rear wheel system for enhanced overall speed of the vehicle. As we can see that there is no conversion of mechanical energy in this case, and hence theoretically this system can be considered more efficient.
There is also a third system of hydraulic KERS, where braking energy is used for collecting the hydraulic pressure, which can then be transmitted to the wheels for increase of velocity.
Trends:
1. Formula one:

Taking advantage of the two fold benefit of the KERS, Formula One introduced the system in its 2009 season. As we have already mentioned in one of our previous articles, F1 is undergoing changes in the recent times pertaining to ‘green’ technology. Along with that, KERS also utilizes the braking energy (deceleration) to further accelerate the racing vehicles. This can especially come in handy during a crunch race situation.
2. Auto part makers:

Bosch Motorsport Service, which is a part of the exalted Bosch GmbH (world’s largest autoparts manufacturer) has developed their version of KERS. These electricity storage systems for hybrid and engine mechanisms incorporate a lithium-ion battery with scalable capacity or a flywheel, a 4 to 8 kg electric motor (with a maximum power level of 60 kW/80 hp), as well as the KERS controller for power and battery regulation.
3. Electric railway vehicle operation:

Electric railways also use a kind of regenerative braking system, by utilization of the deceleration energy from the in-built braking components to enhance vehicular performance. According to statistical figures, Virgin Trains Pendolinos claimed they have managed to save 17 percent of total energy. The Delhi Metro saved around 90,000 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emission by regenerating 112,500 MW-hr of electricity through the use of regenerative braking systems between 2004 and 2007. Also the added benefit of this system is that there is relatively less amount of wear and tear on the friction braking components.
4. Carmakers:

Many of the major automobile companies including Honda, BMW, Peugeot, and McLaren Mercedes have already successfully tested their versions of KERS. In 2008, Peugeot introduced their advanced Peugeot 908 HY, a cross-breed electrical variant of the diesel 908, with KERS. Even Toyota incorporated a specially made supercapacitor for regeneration of kinetic energy on their Supra HV-R cross-breed race vehicle. Among the Formula One teams, Mclaren is well known for their advocating of the KERS.
Benefits:
As already mentioned, the KERS does clearly allude to ‘green’ side of automotive technology, especially as the mechanism utilizes the basic physical component of mechanical energy for drastic enhancement of vehicle performance, both in the terms of its fuel efficiency and overall speed. Other advantages such as extensive operating temperature range, steady voltage and power level and even high efficiency at whole working speed range can be maintained by the proper implementation of KERS.
Downsides:
The regenerative braking effect is substantially reduced at lower speeds. Therefore, the conventional friction brake is still required to bring the vehicle to a complete halt. Physical locking of the rotor is also required for extra safety, so as to prevent vehicles from rolling down hills. Moreover, as mentioned earlier, the KERS was adopted during the 2009 F1 season, but it was abandoned during the 2010 season, as according to FIA - it added an extra 25 kilograms of weight. While that doesn’t sum up to the total car weight, it does incur a penalty particularly seen in the qualifying rounds, as it raises the car’s center of gravity, and additionally lowers the amount of ballast that is available to balance the car.
Impacts:
Though after its abandonment, FIA once again looks forth to include the system by the 2013 season of Formula One. One of the reasons is that KERS can actually be considered as part of ‘green’ technology, which in turn is new dictum, followed by a major section of the automotive industry. Secondly, along with its sustainable features, the system can give a definitive performance edge to the vehicles, by converting their braking power to raw kinetic energy. As estimates say that lap time benefits range from approximately 0.1 to 0.4s for racing cars. Now if this technology was to be adopted at a much larger scale, common vehicles can have their efficiency increased without any adverse side effect on environment.

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