Hybrid (power) camper trailer.

[TwilightLane]

I just stumbled across this on a blog I frequent. Trailer helps power electric vehicles.

http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2011/0 ... r-trailer/

Upon reading the article, I don't understand how it works. Applying the TANSTAAFL theory, the tow car has to expend additional energy in order to power the generators. The generators are going to increase drag and reduce fuel efficiency in the tow vehicle. Am Imissing something??

[absolutsnwbrdr]

^ thats the regenerative braking

[TwilightLane]

Slow - that is exactly what it is doing. But I don't see why that would work. or at least how it would work well. Wouldn't the extra resistance of the generator reduce fuel economy on the tow vehicle.

I know there is the regen feature on the breaking, which has some benefit. I was under the impression that was never added much.

Another way to say it: would it be tremendously more efficient to simply use a gas powered genny instead?

[Wimperdink]

Here's what I thought the video said was going on. (didn't understand their lingo)

when braking, the generator creates energy to charge its batteries which would in turn act as a brake assist. On take off it works in reverse using power from the batteries pushing fwd as a power assist to help the TV get moving. The downhills would seriously save on brake pads and help get a good charge on the batteries and the uphills wouldn't put as much strain on the tv. I like it. very ingenuitive.