When shopping for a Mazda 3, it is the first time I heard about i-eloop, this economy-boosting technology using a capacitor to quickly absorb the energy during engine deceleration and/or braking.
Here is the Mazda link that explains the technology
MAZDA: Brake Energy Regeneration System | Environmental Technology
Actually, I'm not fully satisfied with the explanations I have found so far about how it can shave off 1mpg. Perhaps I do not believe there is that much electrical power is being used. Perhaps there is some key to the design of the alternator that can be disengaged electrically so that it does not impose mechanical drag on the engine.
There is also a claim that the system will prolong the life of the storage battery. Presumably this has to do with the capacitor+DC/DC converter keeping battery at full voltage, like a trickle charger.
I read in these forums concern about the service life/cost of ownership for this feature. Is the variable-voltage alternator that feeds the capacitor much more expensive than the conventional one? I do believe the claim that this is uses relatively cheap components compared to hybrid system w/Li battery.
BTW, it is amusing to listen to the sales reps explain how it works. That being said, I admit that after reading the literature, I'm not in a position to explain how it can really be effective.
In short, I'm wonder if this is a real innovation/breakthrough and we will see it spread across the industry, or is it a gimmick.
Here is the Mazda link that explains the technology
MAZDA: Brake Energy Regeneration System | Environmental Technology
Actually, I'm not fully satisfied with the explanations I have found so far about how it can shave off 1mpg. Perhaps I do not believe there is that much electrical power is being used. Perhaps there is some key to the design of the alternator that can be disengaged electrically so that it does not impose mechanical drag on the engine.
There is also a claim that the system will prolong the life of the storage battery. Presumably this has to do with the capacitor+DC/DC converter keeping battery at full voltage, like a trickle charger.
I read in these forums concern about the service life/cost of ownership for this feature. Is the variable-voltage alternator that feeds the capacitor much more expensive than the conventional one? I do believe the claim that this is uses relatively cheap components compared to hybrid system w/Li battery.
BTW, it is amusing to listen to the sales reps explain how it works. That being said, I admit that after reading the literature, I'm not in a position to explain how it can really be effective.
In short, I'm wonder if this is a real innovation/breakthrough and we will see it spread across the industry, or is it a gimmick.
