|
MAZDA REGENERATIVE BRAKING SYSTEM IMPROVES FUEL ECONOMY BY 10 PER CENT
25/11/11 - Mazda Motor Corporation has developed a regenerative braking system for passenger cars capable of improving fuel economy by approximately 10 per cent. The new i-ELOOP system, the first of
its kind in the world to use a capacitor, will begin to appear in Mazda vehicles from 2012.
i-ELOOP efficiently converts the vehicle's kinetic energy into electricity as it decelerates, using the electricity to power the climate control, audio system and numerous other electricalcomponents.
The unique capacitor technology in i-ELOOP can store large volumes of electricity and, unlike batteries, can be charged and discharged rapidly and isresistant to deterioration through prolonged use.
The name i-ELOOP is an adaptation of 'Intelligent Energy Loop' and represents Mazda's intention to efficiently recycle energy in an intelligent way.
Regenerative braking systems are growing in popularity as a means of saving fuel. They use an electric motor or alternator to generate electricity as the vehicle decelerates, thereby recovering a
portion of the vehicle's kinetic energy. Unlike the regenerative braking systems found in hybrid vehicles, Mazda's highly efficient solution avoids the need for a dedicated electric motor and battery.
i-ELOOP features a new variable voltage(12-25V) alternator, a low-resistance Electric Double Layer Capacitor (EDLC) and a DC/DC converter. i-ELOOP starts to recover kinetic energy the moment the
driver lifts off the accelerator pedal and the vehicle begins to decelerate. The variable voltage alternator generates electricity at up to 25V for maximum efficiency before sending it to the EDLC for storage. The
capacitor, which has been specially developed for use in a vehicle, can be fully charged in seconds. TheDC/DC converter steps down the electricity from 25V to 12V before it is distributed directly to the vehicle's
electrical components.
Instop-start driving conditions, the use of i-ELOOP fuel economy improves by approximately 10 per cent. Working in conjunction with Mazda's unique 'i-stop' idling stop technology, i-ELOOP can extend
the period that the engine can be shut off.
Mazda is working to maximise the efficiency of internal combustion engine vehicles with its groundbreaking SKYACTIVTechnology. By combining this with i-stop, i-ELOOP and other electric devices that
enhance fuel economy by eliminating unnecessary fuel consumption, Mazda is striving to deliver vehicles with excellent environmental performance, as well as a Zoom-Zoom driving experience for all its customers.
At the 42nd Tokyo Motor Show, Mazda will debut the i-ELOOP system in the TAKERI concept car, a next generation mid-sized saloon that features SKYACTIV Technology and the Japanese company's 'KODO –
Soul of Motion' design theme.
Mazda's first vehicle for the UK and European market to have the full range of innovative SKYACTIV technologies will be the Mazda CX-5 compact SUV, set for launch in Spring 2012. This all-new vehicle
will offer outstanding reductions in both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, combined with the exhilarating driving experience – the Jinba Ittai, or 'oneness' between car and driver previously typified by the MX-5
sportscar – for which Mazda is so well known.
Mazda First Automaker to use 1,800 MPa Ultra-High Tensile Steel
- Super strongest steel to debut in all-new CX-5 crossover SUV
Mazda Motor Corporation, in collaboration with Sumitomo Metal Industries, Ltd. and Aisin Takaoka Co., Ltd., has become the first automaker to successfully develop vehicle components using 1,800 MPa
ultra-high tensile steel. The super strength steel will debut in the all-new Mazda CX-5 crossover SUV that will commence its global launch in early 2012.
Mazda's new production technology uses 1,800 MPa ultra-high tensile steel to fabricate bumper beams, which fit inside the front and rear bumpers and mitigate damage in the event of a collision. The
bumper bars are 20 percent stronger and 4.8 kilograms lighter than previous versions and are a key part of Mazda's next-generation, lightweight and highly rigid vehicle architecture. The new body architecture was
developed as part of Mazda's breakthrough SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY program and incorporates a new energy absorbing structure as well as an expanded use of high tensile steel to reduce weight.
The use of high tensile steel enables vehicle parts to be thinner yet still retain the same degree of strength. This leads to significant savings in vehicle weight. Reducing the weight of bumper beams
is particularly important because, as they are incorporated into the body structure at the farthest point from the vehicle's centre of gravity, their weight has a considerable effect on dynamic performance and
responsiveness. They must also be strong to provide sufficient collision protection. For these reasons, a method of mass producing the parts using stronger steel has been highly sought after.
However, stronger materials are less pliant and therefore absorb less energy in a collision. To overcome this, Mazda conducted extensive research into how bumper beams deform in a crash, and created a
new design that absorbs energy more efficiently. Additionally, in order to ensure the bumpers provide maximum strength in the CX-5, Mazda collaborated with Futaba Kogyo Co., Ltd. to optimize the welding techniques
and establish a reliable manufacturing process.
Going forward, Mazda remains committed to reducing vehicle weight and improving dynamic performance while also maintaining a high level of body rigidity and excellent crash worthiness, in order to
provide all its customers with driving pleasure and outstanding environmental and safety performance.
|
