Hybrid Synergy Drive® converts braking energy and forward motion energy when coasting into electricity. The hybrid system helps lower emissions while raising mpg. More Info
Hybrid Synergy Drive® is actually a system of complex parts working together to create a more efficient driving experience.
Engine
The gas engine used with Hybrid Synergy Drive® is more energy efficient, producing higher output than conventional gas engines. Increased displacement decreases the engine rpm during high-speed cruising. Other improvements to the engine include an electric water pump and an exhaust heat recirculation system that uses previously wasted exhaust heat to more quickly warm up the heater and engine.
Electric Motor
The electric motor can realize 100% of its torque almost immediately.
Generator
As with electric motors, the synchronous AC generator is capable of high-speed axial rotation, producing substantial electrical power while the car is running in the mid-range speed.
Batteries
Toyota uses these two types of batteries to power their line of hybrids: nickel-metal hydride and lithium-ion. Nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) has been used in all Toyota hybrids to date. This battery provides a high input/output-to-weight ratio (power output in relation to weight). These dependable batteries have been used in all Toyota hybrids in the U.S. since 2001. The system maintains the battery charge at a constant level at all times by monitoring and computing the cumulative amount of discharge under acceleration and recharging by regenerative braking and while coasting or with surplus power under normal running conditions.
Lithium-ion batteries have greater energy density than nickel-metal hydride batteries, i.e., more energy can be stored with battery size intact. Fully charged, these batteries can power the car independently of any other engine for up to 13 miles under certain conditions. They will be used in all upcoming Prius Plug-ins.
Regenerative Braking System
The braking system captures kinetic energy, which is normally discarded as friction heat when braking, and collects it to regenerate the battery and for later reuse. Less Info
When walking with a modern, electronic prosthetic leg, the prosthesis is subject to compressions and hydraulic pressure during each step. This kinetic energy is lost once a foot is put back down and the next step is taken.
By using Toyota's regenerative braking system and battery technology, kinetic energy normally lost with each step could be transformed into energy stored in batteries, and then used to power the electronic sensors, microprocessors and hydraulics that are used in many modern electronic prostheses. More efficient electronics can allow more powerful processors and smaller, lighter batteries to be used in prosthetic legs.
All Windmills have a braking system that prevents them rotating too fast and thus preventing catastrophic failure. My idea is to use Toyota's hybrid synergy braking system on windmills. This will make windmills more efficient by not wasting rotational kinetic energy into heat. This small step of integrating conventional windmill braking systems to systems such as Toyota's hybrid synergy system is a diligent manner in which we can impede with global climate change and bolster our efforts in harnessing cleaner energy.
For a long time, people in the medical community have wondered how to make a medical ventilator that will operate in disaster conditions or in countries with limited resources. We always had only two options. Either use electricity that would be in short supply, if available at all. Or use a pneumatic system that relies on an unending supply of compressed gas. Using the synergy drive we could use the constant braking of the turbine system that ventilates critically ill patients, to recharge the battery backups that are built into the current generation of emergency medical ventilators. As we ventilated our patients, we could be recharging the very batteries that are running the device. This could revolutionize medical care in remote areas.
The wheelchair operator replaces the gas engine in the Hybrid Synergy Drive system. The electric motor adds torque to the chair users arm motions in forward and reverse. This will lower fatigue, and repetitive stress injuries for the operator or assistant. The technology differs from other electric assisted chairs. Brake energy recapture allows for longer operation and total system weight reduction. A strain gauge on each wheels handrail would sense the the users input motion and amplify the motion. Active braking will eliminate rollback, or speed when descending. Common design with other HSD, especially in charging, will reduce production and operation costs. This technology will help assure the dignity and independence of the many.
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