autoevolution
 

Ricardo Launches KinerStor Project

As a result of the development of the Kinergy flywheel we presented you yesterday, automotive supplier Ricardo announced the launch of the KinerStor project, an endeavor meant to research and de-risk the principle critical flywheel sub-systems individually and get it ready for its future applications.

KinerStor, backed financially by the Technology Strategy Board, will be headed by Ricardo and will benefit from the assistance of CTG, JCB, Land Rover, SKF, Torotrak and Williams Hybrid Power. The final goals of the project is to demonstrate the potential of flywheel-based hybrid systems which can account for a 30 percent improvement in fuel consumption.

"The development of highly optimized flywheel based technology offers the prospect of the effective and low-cost hybridization of price-sensitive vehicle applications with consequent benefits to fuel economy and CO2 emissions reduction," Neville Jackson, Ricardo director said in a release.

"Ricardo is pleased to be able to lead the KinerStor consortium which brings together a crucial mass of skills and expertise in this important area of future automotive technology."

The flywheel now under scrutiny, the Kinergy, lacks any mechanical coupling or other form of linkage in its casing. It is a high-speed, hermetically-sealed flywheel energy storage system which can be implemented in price-sensitive mass-market models through to large luxury SUV.

After the project has run its course, Ricardo would like to see a common-core technology developed, to be then tailored to the needs of each of the manufacturers involved.
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
About the author: Daniel Patrascu
Daniel Patrascu profile photo

Daniel loves writing (or so he claims), and he uses this skill to offer readers a "behind the scenes" look at the automotive industry. He also enjoys talking about space exploration and robots, because in his view the only way forward for humanity is away from this planet, in metal bodies.
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories