Jason Ford

CVT technology set for key role in Volvo flywheel evaluation

News

Torotrak’s continuously variable transmission (CVT) technology will form part of the Volvo Car Corporation’s (VCC’s) evaluation of flywheel technology this autumn.

Volvo’s project, part-funded with a grant worth SEK6.57m (£648,210) from the Swedish Energy Agency, will bring together Torotrak’s variable drive technology and Flybrid Systems (UK) flywheel technology, working with SKF and Volvo Powertrain.

‘Our aim is to develop a complete system for kinetic energy recovery,’ said Derek Crabb, vice-president at VCC Powertrain Engineering. ‘Tests in a Volvo car will get under way in the second half of 2011. This technology has the potential for reducing fuel consumption by up to 20 per cent. What is more, it gives the driver an extra horsepower boost, giving a four-cylinder engine acceleration like a six-cylinder unit.’

Volvo said in a statement that it will test Flywheel KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System), which is fitted to the rear axle. During slowing, the braking energy causes the flywheel to spin at up to 60,000rev/min. When the car starts moving off again, the flywheel’s rotation is transferred to the rear wheels via a specially designed transmission.

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