Running on the gyro or flywheel system, the Thrustcycle SRT is a three-wheeled vehicle that amazingly balances itself, as well as its driver – and that too by harvesting the braking-generated kinetic power and standing on all three of its wheels in a straight lateral line! Doesn’t it sound quite different from the regular delta-configuration vehicles with a single wheel in front, or from the tadpole-configuration vehicles with a single wheel in the back? Well, this is made possible by the mechanical gyroscopic stabilizing system that supports it to remain upright even while it stands still in the parking. Such a system extends the range of the vehicle by operating on the stored kinetic energy, generated due to braking.
The Thrustcycle SRT’s latest version gets powered by its electric hub motor installed in its middle wheel, while the vehicle’s rear wheel provides steering and its front wheel controls direction. When the driver gets into the parked vehicle and powers it, the gyroscopic effect of the vehicle’s flywheel system makes it stand on its own. Though it leads into turns, but gyro always pulls it back upright. The kinetic energy from braking, as stored by flywheel, augments the chemical battery of the vehicle and makes it move longer on a single charge. Check out the following video that displays this innovative creation hover and glide, while making a superb balance.
Unlike other experimental usages of this flywheel energy storage system in vehicles, the harness of gyroscopic tendencies has been successful in the Thrustcycle SRT, which has been able to offer a very good balance. In an interview, one of the Thrustcycle’s team members explained that this vehicle magnifies a gain in efficiency because of a recycling of braking and downhill energy. The member also informed how the gain in aerodynamics, reduction in rolling resistance, and decrease in the weight of the vehicle get multiplied. It was also discussed how this gyroscopic system enables an aerodynamic in-line vehicle that is narrow and has no wheel wells.
A not-so-good fact about this SRT is that, in near future, it will not be seen coming out of the assembly line, and even if something is planned, there is no cost estimation that has been done by the company as such by now. But, the happy part is that you may still own it! Yes, the company is ready to provide versions with gas, hybrid or electric engines – and that too, per the client’s customized requirements. Is it not a great chance to give it a try then?
Via: Gizmag
