Mazda 3 Quick Manual page 32

i-ELOOP System
i-ELOOP is a regenerative braking system. When you depress the brake pedal or use
engine braking, the kinetic energy that occurs is converted to electrical energy by the
power generator and the converted electrical energy is stored in the rechargeable
battery (capacitor and battery). The stored electricity is used as power to charge the
battery and the vehicle's electrical devices.
• A variable voltage alternator is incorporated in the power generator which
converts the kinetic energy to electricity and can generate electricity efficiently
according to the vehicle conditions.
• A capacitor is used to store large amounts of electricity instantly which can be
utilized quickly.
• A DC-DC converter is incorporated which steps down the stored electricity to
voltage useable by the vehicle's electrical devices.
Accelerator OFF
Energy
regeneration
Engine
Tyre
Accelerator ON
Engine
Tyre
Charge
Variable
Voltage
alternator
Capacitor
Variable
Voltage
alternator
Capacitor
When Driving
Power
DC-DC converter
Power
DC-DC converter
For details, refer to Section 4, "i-ELOOP".
Kinetic energy
Electrical power
Battery
Vehicle electric
devices
Battery
Vehicle electric
devices
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