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The objective of this research is to create a new brake system with fewer mechanical parts, higher performance, greater flexibility for adaptation to new functions, and lower cost. A simple/series electro-hydrostatic brake system is investigated as an inexpensive, reliable, and redundant integrated brake system that can include the functions; Boost, ABS, TCS, VDC, etc. Production issues are considered. The required motor power is the most critical and is estimated by simulation based on data from experiments. To reduce this power a flow boost self-energizing mechanism with computer control is explored, and it is found that the effect is significant. Robustness of the control for pad friction fluctuation is also analyzed, and the limitation is estimated. The result of analysis shows that a competitive commercial product can be developed.

The flywheel energy-storage unit is examined as a tool for engine load management. The control decision to store or retrieve energy is formulated and discussed. Vehicle dynamics are simulated on a digital computer in combination with dynamic programming techniques to obtain optimal operation policy. The simplified algorithm is explained, as well as the cost-function criteria and optimization constraints. The sensitivity of the optimal path and the vehicle gas-mileage improvements are elaborated. The study of losses indicates that the transmission is the largest energy sink in the power train. The result of this study provides an indication of the appropriate real-time control policy.