A kinetic energy recovery system (KERS) is an automotive system for recovering a moving vehicle's kinetic energy under braking. The recovered energy is stored in a reservoir (for example a flywheel or high voltage batteries) for later use under acceleration. Examples include complex high end systems such as the Zytek, Flybrid,[1] Torotrak[2][3] and Xtrac used in Formula One racing and simple, easily manufactured and integrated differential based systems such as the Cambridge Passenger/Commercial Vehicle Kinetic Energy Recovery System (CPC-KERS).
Xtrac and Flybrid are both licensees of Torotrak's technologies, which employ a small and sophisticated ancillary gearbox incorporating a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CPC-KERS is similar as it also forms part of the driveline assembly. However, the whole mechanism including the flywheel sits entirely in the vehicle's hub (looking like a drum brake). In the CPC-KERS, a differential replaces the CVT and transfers torque between the flywheel, drive wheel and road wheel.
- ^ Flybrid Systems LLP (2010-09-10). "Flybrid Systems". Flybrid Systems. Archived from the original on 2010-07-13. Retrieved 2010-09-17.
- ^ "Torotrak.com". www77.torotrak.com. Archived from the original on June 29, 2010.
- ^ "Torotrak, Xtrac & CVT pdf" (PDF). Archived from the original on 2012-03-03. Retrieved 2010-09-17.
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