"We are proposing to design & prototype an energy regenerative braking system for bicycles (RBSB), which utilises a mechanical system that stores and re-uses the kinetic energy of a decelerating cyclist.
We propose an energy recovery mechanism that reduces vehicle speed by converting some of its kinetic energy into a useful energy, instead of dissipating it as heat as in a conventional brake. The converted kinetic energy is stored for future use as potential energy.
Solutions which store the kinetic energy of a decelerating vehicle and then reuse this energy to accelerate the vehicle are exploited, for instance, by Toyota hybrid cars. They use electro-mechanical systems to convert kinetic energy into electric field energy stored in super-capacitors and batteries. This energy is used subsequently to accelerate the system and save overall fuel consumption. However, such systems are too complex and expensive for small user-powered vehicles (such as bikes, scooters, etc…). Therefore there is a plenty of room for developing a purely mechanical-based regenerative brake system, which is much simpler & cheaper for broad set of human-powered vehicles.
Furthermore, the RBSB, if widely adopted, contributes to reducing the burning of hydrocarbon fuels and minimising CO2 emissions. That is, the RBSB could increase the acceptance of small human-powered vehicles for everyday short distance personal transportation (e.g., commuting from home to place of work, urban transport generally, city centre rental bikes, etc.).
The product that we envisage might have several form factors such as one integrated into bike’s wheel with built-in energy regenerative brake and/or its attachments. This solution does not need to change any other specification of the existing wheel shape & size, which means that the RBSB can fit within any ordinary bicycle wheel. Some advantages of the RBSB are:
• In comparison with the traditional brake system, the RBSB is capable of recovering part of the vehicle’s kinetic energy and re-use it for the next acceleration
• It is relatively simple purely mechanical system (i.e., no electrical components as used in hybrid cars)
• Very reliable & safe solution with easy user interface
• Improved efficiency of transportation with personal human-powered vehicles
• Contributes to green technology solutions by reducing need for hydrocarbon fuels"