 The acronym KERS stands for Kinetic Energy Recovery System.  The device recovers the kinetic energy that is present in the waste heat created by the car’s braking process.  It stores that energy and converts it into power that can be called upon to boost acceleration.

A mechanical KERS system An electrical KERS system

 The system consists of a flywheel connected by a continuously variable transmission (CVT) to the drive- train.  Moving the CVT towards a gear ratio that would speed the flywheel up enables it to store energy, while moving towards a ratio that would slow it down allows it to release energy.  A hydraulic clutch separates the drive if the flywheel’s revs exceed the system’s limits. The components within each variator include an input disc and an opposing output disc.

 THE VARIOUS PARTS OF KERS ARE 1. Braking system: This is the part from where the energy to be stored is collected, 2. Storage System: This is used in the Electronic KERS where either the generator or motor will take over depending on whether the battery is being charged or discharged. Flywheel is used in Mechanical KERS. It is used to store and release mechanical energy. 3. KERS Control Unit: This unit is provided apart from the control unit provided by Microsoft. This unit controls the signals and the levels on how much energy should be transferred from one part of vehicle to another, meaning the storing of energy and releasing of energy. It also performs an array of other operations.

 The Flybrid® 9013 hybrid system has been fitted to the Jaguar XF demonstrator.

 A design life of 250,000 kms  Low cost in volume manufacture  Optimised CVT design for high efficiency at low power levels  Powerful clutches to allow launch of the vehicle from rest under flywheel power alone with the engine turned off  Fully automatic control systems that react to normal vehicle control pedal movements and require no additional inputs from the driver

 Very high speeds can be achieved.  Very safe.  More efficient transmission of power is ensured by the use of the gearbox via several fixed ratios, a clutch and the CVT  60 kW power boost for 6.67 seconds  400 kJ of usable storage  A total system weight of 25 kg  A total packaging volume of 13 litres