Regenerative Electrically Powered Assist System

Abstract

Regenerative Electrically Powered Assist System (REPAS) is the use of mechanical or electrical components to recover/store kinetic energy that is lost during braking or deceleration of a vehicle and then utilized to help the powertrain (Electrical, Thermal(Combustion engine) or human powered (bicycle)) re-accelerate or maintain constant velocity by reducing the load on the power train. This is currently being developed and used in Formula 1 racing alongside parallel hybrid vehicles available from select manufacturers (Toyota Prius, Honda Civic Hybrid, Mercedes E-Class Blue Efficiency series), with F1 teams developing their high power solutions in house. The focus of the project was to research on existing systems employing regenerative braking. This information was then used to determine the most efficient design suitable for our bicycle. Ultimately developing designs for controllers along with storage and drive mechanisms to be retrofitted in bicycles in particular and consumer vehicles in general, with one of the following requirements: 1. Increased Fuel Efficiency 2. Increased Power Output 3. Reduce energy consumption on manual forms of transport. The solution is mainly electrical in nature utilizing energy efficient battery, as compared to the other recovery systems alternative of using a Fly Wheel to store the kinetic energy to be utilized later.