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Old 06-19-2008, 09:02 AM
jdenenberg jdenenberg is offline
Engineering Professor
 
Real Name: Jeffrey N. Denenberg
Location: Connecticut
Hybrids: 2004 Prius
Posts: 241
Default Re: Hydraulic Hybrid Outperforms Prius

Quote:
Originally Posted by Aussie View Post
Any comments about this new technology.
It is not new. This has been discussed for at least 15 years.
Quote:
It seems to have some merit.
It does have merit for applications that have frequent stop/start cycles. When you compress a gas (in the energy accumulator), the temperature rises rapidly (P*V is proportional to T). If you store this energy for a period of time any heat loss causes significant inefficiency. Insulation helps, but its best to use the accumulated energy quickly. This is NOT a viable technology as a Prius replacement.

Another interesting temporary energy storage system is the use of a flywheel. It has been discussed for more than 30 years.

JeffD - Engineering Professor

Last edited by jdenenberg; 06-19-2008 at 09:05 AM. Reason: Added flywheel comment
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