GKN flywheel system helps Go-Ahead drive down emissions

By Categories: Commercial NewsPublished On: Tuesday 29 July 2014

gknhybridBus operator The Go-Ahead Group has agreed a deal with global engineering group GKN plc, which will see the supply to 500 of its buses with electric flywheel systems over the next two years.

Based on Formula One race technology developed in the UK, GKN’s Gyrodrive system is said to help increase the efficiency of every bus to which it is fitted by using less fuel, and therefore reducing carbon emissions. This same technology helped Audi’s R18 e-tron win at Le Mans last month, GKN says.

The Gyrodrive system uses a high speed flywheel made of carbon fibre to store the energy generated by a bus as it slows down to stop. It then uses the stored energy to power an electric motor which helps accelerate the bus back up to speed. This is claimed to generate fuel savings of more than 20 per cent at a significantly lower cost than battery hybrid alternatives.

The agreement covers the supply of the complete Gyrodrive system, including the innovative GKN Hybrid Power flywheel as well as GKN’s advanced EVO electric motor, a GKN designed and manufactured gearbox, and installation.

The system is designed to last for the life of the bus, GKN adds, eliminating the need for any battery changes. Following successful trials on buses in London, Go-Ahead intends to utilise the technology in cities it serves across the UK, initially in London and Oxford.

Philip Swash, CEO GKN Land Systems, said: “This is an important milestone for GKN Hybrid Power. We’ve worked in close partnership with Go-Ahead throughout the development of this innovative technology and it’s very exciting to move into the production phase.

“The fact that we are using the same groundbreaking technology that helped Audi win at Le Mans for the past three years to improve fuel efficiency in the public transport sector also shows what great innovation there is in the UK’s engineering sector.”

CEO of Go-Ahead, David Brown, added: “Our collaboration with GKN has been a most constructive one. We have a strong record in continually reducing our carbon emissions and flywheel technology will help us make buses an even more environmentally responsible choice and encourage more people to travel by public transport.

“The flywheel technology helps us to reduce our fuel consumption and CO2 emissions so improving air quality for all those living, working and visiting the city.”