Energy recovery in automotive systems: A review of regenerative braking, flywheel, thermoelectric, rankin cycle and electric turbo compound

Abstract

In the backdrop of escalating global vehicle proliferation and the consequent surge in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, there is a compelling urgency to innovate energy recovery methods during vehicular operations for heightened energy efficiency and substantial environmental emission reductions. This paper discussed a variety of vehicle technologies to address environmental emissions issues and critically evaluates contemporary energy recovery technologies across three core dimensions: automotive thermal energy conversion, electronic turbine systems (ETC), and kinetic energy recovery systems. By analyzing empirical data encompassing CO2 emission reduction, energy recovery efficiency enhancement, fuel economy improvement, and applicability diversity across vehicle models, the study aims to establish a scientific foundation for continuous vehicular energy efficiency enhancement and emission reduction. This entails a comprehensive investigation of internal combustion engine principles for potential heat energy recovery, juxtaposing conventional and advanced cycles like the Rankine cycle. Moreover, it involves assessing ETC effectiveness in utilizing exhaust energy while acknowledging system complexity and dynamic response challenges. Additionally, the performance disparities of kinetic energy recovery systems like regenerative braking and exhaust energy recovery in distinct operational contexts are examined. By meticulously comparing experimental data, the paper intends to provide a comprehensive assessment of each technologys merits and drawbacks in advancing energy efficiency and emission reduction, try to pick one or more combinations to minimise the impact, thereby guiding future research and application in automotive energy recovery, and contributing to sustainable automotive engineering technology advancement.