Mazda Develops i-ELOOP Capacitor-Based Regenerative System on Takeri Concept

Regenerative braking systems that store energy into batteries during braking are becoming increasingly common in new cars because they help reduce fuel consumption.
Today, Mazda presented what it claims to be the world’s first passenger vehicle regenerative system that uses a capacitor instead of a battery pack for storing energy, named i-ELOOP (“Intelligent Energy Loop”).
According to Mazda, a capacitor is superior to batteries because it does away with the need for an electric motor and can be charged and discharged rapidly while it also doesn't deteriorate after prolonged use.

The i-ELOOP system comprises a new 12-25V variable voltage alternator, a low-resistance electric double layer capacitor and a DC/DC converter. It captures energy that would otherwise be dissipated as heat the moment the driver lifts his foot of the accelerator pedal and the vehicle starts to decelerate.
At that time, the alternator starts generating electricity up to 25V before sending it to the capacitor where it is stored in mere seconds. The DC/DC subsequently converts the electricity from 25V to 12V before powering the vehicle’s climate control and audio systems, various other electric systems and can even charge the battery if necessary.

Mazda Takeri concept

Mazda claims that the i-ELOOP, which will be combined with the firm's i-stop auto stop-start system, reduces fuel consumption by approximately 10% and will be available in production vehicles in 2012.
The i-ELOOP will make its public debut at next week’s Tokyo Motor Show in the Takeri concept car, which previews Mazda’s replacement for the mid-sized Mazda6 family saloon.

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Mazda TAKERI concept to be showcased at Tokyo Motor Show

Mazda will roll-out a new midsize sedan concept at the 42nd Tokyo Motor Show next month. The company will showcase its first regenerative braking system as part of the world premiere of the Mazda TAKERI, which is also equipped with a SKYACTIV-D diesel engine and an i-stop idling stop system.
Like the new Mazda CX-5 SUV (which was shown in Frankfurt this year but will make its Japanese debut at the Show), the TAKERI is based of Mazda's new "KODO - Soul of Motion" design language - meaning that we'll likely see styling elements of the TAKERI appear in production models down the track.

The appearance of Mazda's first regenerative braking system is notable because this car isn't a hybrid - it runs on a diesel engine. Like conventional hybrid systems, kinetic energy is captured and stored during braking, but in this case, rather than being fed back to an electric motor, the energy is stored in a capacitor and used to power the vehicle's electric equipment. This reduces engine load and results in excellent fuel economy according to Mazda.
As mentioned, the new Mazda CX-5 will also take to the stage with its full range of SKYACTIV technology. SKYACTIV is the blanket term Mazda uses to describe its next-generation technologies including two gasoline engines (1.3 and 2.0 liter), a 2.2 liter diesel engine (found on the CX-5), plus new transmissions, body and chassis.

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