Panasonic breakthrough could double start-stop efficiency

Panasonic breakthrough could double start-stop efficiency #greenenergy

Start-stop systems are becoming increasingly prevalent in the vehicles we drive: helping to reduce our fuel consumption by switching the engine off whenever the vehicle is stable. However, now their contribution to fuel economy may be about to double thanks to a breakthrough from the Panasonic Corporation. The company has developed a NiMH-based 12V Energy Recovery system that allows the energy generated during braking to be stored in the batteries and uses the stored energy to power a vehicle’s electrical components: meaning that power is available even when the engine is not being used. According to Panasonic, the 12V Energy Recovery System could potentially double the fuel economy improvement rate of existing start-stop systems. Designed to be connected in parallel with the main lead-acid battery, the system is based on the new D-size nickel metal hydride battery cells. ...

Full article: http://www.thegreencarwebsite.co.uk/blog/index.php/2013/0...