Hybrid Upgrades
Posted by Fred Jandt
Mass Transit magazine Editor
I’m a gadget guy. The annual Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas each January is like Christmas to me. I also frequent gadget Web sites to see what new product releases or latest updates are hitting the streets. So I was pleasantly surprised this week when I ran across something that could revolutionize transit — regenerative shock absorbers!
A group of MIT students designed the shock absorber that pushes hydraulic fluid through a turbine powering a generator. The shock absorbers are also actively controlled, so they should provide a smoother ride than normal shocks.
The group has already garnered interest from the U.S. Army, which is looking to switch from its Humvee to the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV). The army is spending $40 billion on this new vehicle, so if they can be a part of that contract, they will definitely have the money to develop this technology further.
OK, so I’m probably exaggerating when I say that this could revolutionize transit. But it could mean a serious change if the 10 percent improvement in fuel efficiency the students claim turns out to be true. Think of a hybrid vehicle with regenerative brakes and regenerative shocks. Now add in something like electric-powered ventilation systems and roll it all together. What fuel savings will you see?
Hybrids are one of transit’s best options in this time of down economy and uneven fuel prices — we all know they are going back up this summer. Any component that can push increased fuel efficiency is an excellent addition to the growing numbers of hybrids in transit fleets across the country. And with more hybrids in transit fleets, hopefully they can become the standard and reduce overall prices in the process.
By the way, check out Mass Transit’s new Top 40 Under 40 promotion on our Web site. We’re looking to recognize transit’s best and brightest under the age of 40 in an upcoming issue.
Click on the link and you can read more about it and nominate yourself or any of your colleagues.
Thanks for reading the MT Position updated every Friday,
Fred
fred.jandt@cygnusb2b.com
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February 17th, 2009 at 3:40 pm
No Fred, you’re not at all exaggerating when you say that this could revolutionize transit! Think about it, in the last 15 years, most transit rolling stock as far as buses are concerned have gone to a low-floor design. Shock absorbers are more important now than ever, especially in the consideration of kneeling features and how they overtax the airbag systems commonly used in the front suspension systems on the coaches. With the newer front (and rear) axle configurations, any added service life to the shock absorbers (and related components) will certainly save money, time, and headaches to everyone. It’s a win-win situation!
Kudos for thinking out of the box, Fred. I say we get those MIT guys to make prototypes and get them to Pennsylvania for bus testing right away!