This article is focused on this subject: “regenerative braking efficiency versus speed”.
Quite often we hear many discussions on “regenerative braking” efficiency.
Typically we have people who are convinced that we can recuperate a good amount of energy we have used by using “regenerative braking” in the descentes.
This is really a much broader discussion, so here the main focus is not to address following kind question:
“Is it worth to have a hub motor in order to recuperate energy by regenerative braking?”.
Instead here we would like to bring some concrete results of real life tests on a more specific point:
Is there any relationship between:
amount of energy recuperated by regenerative braking
speed of the bike in the descente
In order to discuss above relationship I have performed the following test:
maintain the maximum speed in a given descente below a given limit in km/h
at the end, measure the amount of energy (Ah) that has been regenerated in above section
To perform this test I have selected a descent not too far from my place and I have set up following speed levels:
Run n. 1) max speed = 25km/h
Run n. 2) max speed = 30km/h
Run n. 3) max speed = 35km/h
It is possible that sometimes maximum speed may have exceeded relevant limit during the test: but since this is the case for each of the three speed levels we think that the result should be considered a valid one.
For completeness I would have liked to perform also a 4th run, but it was really cold and I decided to go back home…
Anyway the results are pretty clear so I think that 3 runs were enough to produce consistent results.
1) At 25 km/h in the first descente I have been able to regenerate 0,43 Ah, while the consumption to complete the circuit was = 0,64 Ah
2) At 30 km/h in the second descente I have been able to regenerate 0,39 Ah, while the consumption to complete the circuit was 0,73 Ah
3) At 35 km/h in the third descente I have been able to regenerate 0,30 Ah, while the consumption to complete the circuit was 0,93 Ah
Interpretation of above results
These results show that there is a strong relationship between “regenerative braking efficiency” and ” speed”.
This is explained by the fact that:
- increasing the speed creates much higher areodynamic resistance
- this additional kinetic energy is wasted and is not usable to recover energy by regenerative braking
In above graph we can see:
- with the BLUE line the trend of regenerative braking: this shows that at 25km/h we had the HIGHEST amount of regenerative braking while at 35 km/h we had the LOWEST.
- with the RED line the percentage of regenerative braking loss:
- from 25 to 30 km/h we ‘waste’ 9% of energy
- from 25 to 35 km/h we ‘waste’ 30% of energy
It’s also quite interesting to note that the ‘Regen/Consumption’ ratio of the first run (max speed = 25km/h) is 67%.
This ratio in this example is very high: it means that roughly 2/3 of the total energy required to complete this circuit has been recovered thanks to Regenerative Braking!
This is really considerable and it contributes to explain WHY it is generally beneficial to use regenerative braking.
Just as a reference, here it is the circuit where the test did take place:
- altitude gain: 137m.
- descente: 4km
- avg. grade: 7%
- total distance: 7,4 km
Thanks for your answer, Daniele. I would have some follow-up questions, if you don’t mind my ignorance (I’m a beginner regarding biking/e-bikes):
1) am I right assuming you mean the following motor: https://www.ebikes.ca/shop/electric-bicycle-kits/direct-drive/rh212-rear-cassette-kit-advanced-pas.html
The reason I ask is I’m quite amazed by your regen results: ebikes.ca talks about 5%-8% regen, and you manage up to 67%. What am I misunderstanding ?
2) I live in a very hilly area (slopes 10% to 20% are the usual, but also steeper at times; no flat land at all): I usually read that middle motors are more adequate for climbing, but regen seems still very rare on them (I found this one project: https://www.lightest.bike/). Would you recommend the same motor that you are using for my environment ?
Hi, in general ebikes.ca (and others…)talk about 5%-8% average regen, on normal (flat…) road.
In my case it is quite hilly.
I also kept pedalling going downhill.
I simply reported what the Cycle Analyst calculated.
Of course to recuperate up to 67% I also had to contribute a lot on the way uphill.
In your case with slopes by 10 and 20% a DD hub motor is probably not so ideal.
Unless the length of uphill is not more than 4/5 KMS every time…so you wouldn’t overheat
Hi Damien, thanks a lot for your encouraging words! I am using a Direct Drive RH212 hub motor. The battery is 52V and 28 Ah
Hi Daniele,
your achievements make me dream ! It shows how near we are to sustainable, healthy and affordable transportation.
Could you specify which motor / battery you are using in these regen tests ?
Congrats and keep up the great work!