Permo-Drive Regenerative Drive System

G'day,

listening to good old Radio National this morning, I heard a discussion with the chief engineer of Permo-Drive. Think it was covered before on "the 730 Report." They have developed a hybrid drive system which captures energy normally wasted as heat during braking, and uses it in turn, via hydraulics, to accelerate the vehicle. They claim this helps reduce fuel usage and emissions. It can be fitted to any vehicle, lpg/diesel/petrol/natural gas.

They have huge interest from trucking companies and even the US Army. However, they claim that the whole idea, as an Australian invention is teetering due the possible withholding of the "Commercial Ready" grants scheme.


From their website

"The RDS technology works by controlling a hydraulic pump which moves hydraulic oil under high pressure into an accumulator to compress nitrogen gas. The energy to compress the gas comes from the vehicle, thus slowing it down without the need to use the normal brakes.

The driver slows the vehicle by relaxing the throttle pedal (there is no need to use the brake pedal). Whenever the vehicle is required to slow the RDS provides the normal braking and stores the otherwise wasted energy.

When the vehicle subsequently accelerates the energy previously stored during braking is released back to the vehicle. The pressurised nitrogen moves the accumulated oil through back through the pump, thus providing the power to accelerate the vehicle. During this process the power requirement from the engine is reduced, therefore reducing fuel consumption and consequent pollutant emissions."

worth a look at their website