Making its global debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, the Hyundai i-flow Concept car carries forward the company's evocative new form language, 'fluidic sculpture'. The flowing, elegant lines not only create a bionic, futuristic shape, but also contribute to exceptional aerodynamics, helping to reduce the car's CO2 output to just 85g/km and fuel consumption to only 3l/100km.
Hyundai's first diesel hybrid powertrain is also a key factor in delivering such an environmentally-conscious return, as is the application of next-generation materials and technologies developed in cooperation with leading chemical company BASF. Leaf-like shadows are projected from the roof's semi-transparent dye-sensitized solar cells.
The Hyundai i-flow Concept is a test bed for new energy harvesting ideas, ranging from flexible solar panel roofing to a thermo-electric generator. This process equates to further reductions in fuel consumption, 5% at highest driving. Indeed, up to half of the electrical energy consumed by Hyundai i-flow Concept car at 80kph - 250 watts - can be recovered through the work of a thermo-electric generator. Harvested energy from hot exhaust gases is recaptured by this generator which is fitted into the exhaust manifold. The thermal electric generator then converts the wasted heat into useful electrical energy to help power auxiliary systems. The Levant Power Corporation energy harvesting shock absorbers are not part of the concept at this stage.
Liquid Metal, a coating with the appearance of a glossy skin made of liquid metal, has been developed by BASF Coatings. Special effect pigments in this eco-friendly waterborne coating system let the surface appear as polished metal with targeted mirror like reflections - this gives a liquid skin appearance to the car's exterior and increases the tension of the surface in the same time. The high color saturation on the Hyundai i-flow Concept adds an energizing charisma to the Hyundai concept car. The typical high contrast between highlight and flop underlines the sculptural impact of the Hyundai i-flow Concept.
The key technical components of the vehicle have been developed by Hyundai under the Blue Drive™ banner in cooperation with BASF. Blue Drive™ remains at the heart of Hyundai's product development strategy, and continues to drive the company towards its target of global leadership in environmentally-sensitive technologies.
For more read : Energy Harvesting and Storage for Electronic Devices 2010-2020
